Harriett Heard Wilson

“THE IRON PEACH”

Charlotte - Harriett Heard Wilson, wife of Sam Wilson, passed over to her eternal glory in Jesus Christ on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2015. Born in Columbus, Ga. on March 6, 1943, Harriett came to North Carolina to serve as an executive in the Department of Natural Resources under Governor Jim Martin’s administration. A Raleigh newspaper wanted to know just who was the newcomer? Given Harriett’s zeal for her job of reforming the department and the fact she came from Georgia, the article dubbed her “The Iron Peach”.

Harriett met Sam Wilson from Charlotte during this time in Raleigh. It was love at first mustache removal, and he did. Sam was serving Governor Martin as his counsel general. A marriage made in heaven soon followed, and their undying love for one another was to be an inspiration to all who knew them.

Eventually Sam and Harriett settled down in Matthews, raising Sam’s three daughters, Trisha Wilson Magee, Joan Wilson Bauer and Caroline Wilson. They gave much of their time and talent to a young and growing church, Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian and life was good.

Along the way, Sam passed over, after a three year battle with cancer. Harriett too suffered from several debilitating physical ailments during this time, and they clung to one another, and God was found in the darkness. So many loved them dearly; the congregation of Christ Covenant; dear friends; and a big family.

After a while, Harriett moved to Atlanta to be nearer to family, and it was during this time she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her family is thankful for the many who showed love and favor to Harriett during her life in Charlotte, and in particular, three men who Sam had asked to aid Harriett after he was gone. This would be David Thurman, Jock Tonnisson and Marq Ryan. You men were faithful to your calling. Praises also to the Emory University Hospital Hospice staffed by angels of mercy, the Fountainview Center for Alzheimer’s, where Harriett was wonderfully cared for in her last years, and Harry and Bryant Funeral Home, who have made these final days a comfort.

A service for Harriett Heard Wilson will be held in the chapel of Harry and Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 6th. The family will greet friends following the service. Private interment will follow at Steele Creek Presbyterian Cemetery.

Her family asks, if you are so moved, to support your local Alzheimer’s association with your gifts and time and talent. The need is so great. May God the Father of Jesus Christ our savior bless you and keep you as He has for Harriett and her family.