Mary Kathryn Wilson

Mary Kathryn Wilson, affectionally known as “Mary K” died peacefully at home the morning of August 17, 2023. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Quinn of Birmingham, Alabama, Mary K was born on December 19, 1934 and raised in Birmingham with her older brother Amory Edward Quinn Jr. She attended the Lakeview School, Mountain Brook Elementary School, Ramsey, and Shades Valley High Schools. Mary K then went on to attend Randolph Macon College for Women where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. At Randolph Macon, she and Tommy Wilson rekindled their second-grade flame, married in 1957 and enjoyed 61 blissful years of marriage. Together they built an incredible family which includes their three children and spouses (Kathryn and Allen Corey, Tommy Wilson, Jr. and Lynn, Cumbee Tyndal and the late Jim Tyndal), eight grandchildren (Quinn Scanlan, Allen Corey, Fallon Humphreys, Helen Cumbee Shaw, Thomas Wilson, Wilson Tyndal, Kathleen Wilson and Charles Tyndal), two great grandchildren (Harper Scanlan and James Corey), and her beloved “Kitty Katie”. Known as “Tata”, she loved her family fiercely and wonderfully and engrained that love into every member.

She was a lifelong servant to her community through her involvement in the Highland Book Club, Red Mountain Garden Club, Firehouse Shelter, Birmingham Zoo, and Junior League of Birmingham. During her tenure at the Junior League, she loved visiting local Elementary Schools with her favorite reptiles including Julius Squeezer, the boa constrictor. Tata was a Master Gardener who could be found tending to her yard and rose garden whenever weather permitted. She was incredibly active until her final days be it in the garden or playing on the floor with her great grandchildren.

Tata leaves behind a legacy of her infectious spirit, deep community involvement, humble generosity, sincere faithfulness, and the utmost commitment to family. She gracefully embodied Christ’s love for us in the way she deeply loved others and left a lasting impact on all who surrounded her.

A visitation will be held at her lifelong church, the Cathedral Church of the Advent on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon. A private burial will take place at Wilson Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral Church of the Advent (2017 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203), or the charity of your choice. Those who attend her memorial service are encouraged to dress in colorful, cheerful clothing as we celebrate her life, faith, and love of bright florals.

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.