Effie Cozett Wilson

Effie Cozett (Taylor) Wilson, known as “Cozett” to family and friends, was called home, by the Lord, on July 23, 2023. Cozett was surrounded by family as she passed. Cozett was a strong woman, loved by many. She was a caring daughter, spunky sister, devoted wife and mother, an involved grandmother, proud great grandmother, delighted great-great grandmother, and good friend to many people during her life. Cozett will be missed.

Cozett was born to Henry Washington Taylor and Bessie Elnora (Rupe) Taylor on September 27, 1934, in the city of Otis, a farming community outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The youngest child of five and the only girl, she grew up with a migrant family that followed the crops, mainly picking cotton. Cozett was extremely close to her parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. She was a hard worker and a good student who studied hard while attending many schools as they traveled for work. Cozett graduated from Merced High School and was the first female in her family to graduate high school.

Cozett met James Warner Wilson in 1953 at the local roller-skating rink. She liked to say, “He chased me until I caught him.” Cozett married James “Jim” on September 11, 1954. Cozett followed Jim, who was in the Air Force, to Bangor, Maine, where their first two children, Janet and Jimmy were born. Shortly thereafter, Jim was stationed in England and they moved their young family to be there with him. This fulfilled Cozett’s dream of traveling. Three years later they returned to Maine and then to California

where their third child, Susie, was born. The family moved to Maine one more time before Jim’s final station back in Merced, California where they saw the birth of their fourth child, David. Cozett often said, “I had coast to coast children.” As a mother, Cozett poured herself into her family often acting as both parents when Jim was deployed.

After Jim’s retirement from the Air Force, Cozett and Jim worked side by side in their small business for the S. F. Chronicle newspaper. Cozett lost Jim in May 1988 after almost 34 years of marriage.

Cozett had wanted to become a librarian and said that if Merced College had been built when she graduated high school, she would have been. She had many jobs after Jim died, including working at Kmart, Bank of America, and Napa Auto parts. However, her longest career was working with her husband in their small S. F. Chronicle business. She had many roles in their business including bookkeeping and delivering newspapers. She was truly the motivating force behind their business.

Cozett had a gift for helping people and this is exactly what she did as a volunteer for Mercy Hospital for over 17 years. She would often share stories of how she tried to comfort both the patients and their visitors with coffee, magazines, or just a kind word of encouragement. These years were very rewarding for her.

Cozett has touched the lives of many people to whom she gave of herself tirelessly and without hesitation in their times of need. She took it upon herself to visit shut-ins, the ill, or anyone that she could offer help.

Cozett’s heart for others and sacrificial nature has always been rooted in her strong Christian faith. One of her most joyful moments was witnessing her father’s baptism after she led him to the Lord. Her unwavering faith also sustained her and strengthened her throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, Janet (Chris) Peterson, James (Krista) Wilson, Linda “Susie” (Keith) Williamson, & David (Donna) Wilson. Cozett loved being around her grandchildren and often showed her support by attending their events. She leaves behind twelve grandchildren; Cory Wilson (Jennifer), Deanna Pascoe (Jimmy), Karee Curutchet (Tim), Laura Dunham, Taylor Dunham (Kandi), Michal Marie Wilson, Brian Williamson (Sarah), Ethan Williamson (Danielle), Aaron Williamson, Hannah Williamson, ZappaJames Wilson, and Lucas Wilson; 21 great-grandchildren & 1 great-great- grandchild.

Preceding her in death are her parents Henry Washington Taylor & Bessie Elnora Rupe, her brothers & their wives, Richard & Lois, Noble & Margaret, Hayden & Sue, Billy & Wanda Taylor, her beloved husband, James, and several nieces and nephews.

Cozett was a blessing to all of the people in her life. She was a strong personality, who faced many of her own challenges. Most of all, she will be remembered as a woman of great faith and a person who simply loved being around people, especially her family. While we are saddened by her loss, we rejoice knowing she is free of pain and at home in Heaven. We are thankful for the memories she leaves with us.

Services are under the care of Stratford & Evans 1490 B Street, Merced, CA. Burial at Evergreen Memorial Park on July 29, 2023.