Theresa Madeline Wilder

Theresa was born in Brooklyn NY to Leon Trescott and Carrie Anderson on December 19, 1942. She married Harry Thomas Wilder on January 27th, 1962 in New York. They would have three children and a love that lasted 33 years. Theresa would find a second great love with Donald Wrenn, who adored her until his death.

Theresa graduated from the school of hard knocks and excelled to achieve her high school diploma. In 1977 she was first in her class and valedictorian of the Wild-Cat, a job training program run by the NYC Municipal Unions.

She worked as a clerical supervisor for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for 35 years. She was a survivor of poverty, racism, sexism and social injustice and would spend her life advocating for the impoverished.

She was involved in everything, all the time, serving as PTA President, Block Association Leader, volunteering at numerous community organizations and food banks. She received numerous recognitions for her volunteerism from PS 262 and local churches. Theresa was awarded employee recognitions from the leadership of the District Attorney’s office and through her DC-37 Union. When Theresa retired union officials recognized her for her length of service and the amount of overtime and comp time she had accumulated. LOL!

Theresa is preceded in death by her father Leon Trescott, her mother Carrie Anderson, her brothers Leon and John Trescott, her eldest daughter Terrie Wilder and her grandson Travis WilderBrathwaite.

Theresa is survived by her daughter Gloria Wilder, MD, son Craig Wilder, PhD, grandsons John Wilder, Tuan Phoenix, Trent WilderBrathwaite, Kyle WilderBrathwaite, granddaughter Kai Wilder and her great-granddaughter Aria Phoenix.

Her survivors include her sister Catherine Suarez, nephew Kevin Suarez, sister in law Wallace Trescott, niece Monique Trescott and numerous great nieces, nephews, play cousins and friends.

Memorials and gifts may be given to the food pantries at St. Phillips Church (www.stphilipsbklyn.org ) and Mount Lebanon Baptist Church (www.mlbcbk.org) in Brooklyn New York.

The family of Theresa wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Reverends Shaun J. Lee, Darrell Tiller, Stephen McMullen and church staff Carol and Linda for your support and guidance. We would like to thank the Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes: J.S Waterman Langone Chapel (Boston MA), Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home (Brooklyn NY) and National Funeral Home (Falls Church, VA). We want to extend our thanks to Diane of Diane’s Horses for making our mother’s Imitation of Life Dream come true. We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and therapists who cared for and loved our precious mother.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday July 17, 2026 at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church 230 Decatur Street, Brooklyn NY 11233.

Burial will occur at 3:00pm on Sunday July 19, 2026 at National Memorial Park 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church VA 22042.