Hilda Wilson

Obituary Hilda Marie Nunn Wilson, 85, passed away on January 19, 2011, in Lexington, Kentucky, at Sayre Christian Village. She had resided there since early 2009. Hilda was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on July 13, 1925, the youngest child of Reid Alfred and Ida Hayes Nunn. She was preceded in death in 2003 by her husband John Drury Wilson, Sr.; and earlier by her parents; a sister, Frances N. Sheffield; and her brother, H. Philip Nunn. She is survived by her brothers, Reid A. Nunn, Jr. (and his wife, Annie Laurie) of Tallahassee FL; and DeWitt A. Nunn of Williamsburg VA; along with many dear nieces, nephews and extended family. She was educated in W-S city schools, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in music performance as a soprano vocalist. In 1952 she met, and then in 1954 married, a bass-singing high school teacher when they were founding members of Winston-Salem's Oratorio Society, John Drury Wilson. With "Jack", she began a family, and they welcomed John D. Wilson, Jr. (wife Ondine) of Stallings NC, Georgi Wilson Barker (husband Jim) of Annandale VA, and H. Marie Wilson of Lexington KY. As much as she enjoyed her various roles as wife, mother and aunt, Hilda seemed especially well-prepared to become "Miss Mama" to Phoebe, Paige, Joel and Jared Wilson of Auburn IL, and Lindsay Barker of Indiana PA, Alex Barker of Los Angeles CA, and Emma and James Barker of Annandale, all charmed from infancy by their grandmother's many sweet kindnesses. In 2008 more grandchildren joined the family: Jason Dinice of Raleigh NC, Austin Dinice, serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, and Haley Dinice of Waxhaw NC. Jack's eventual careers in the trucking industry and retail took the family to live in Danville VA, Burlington NJ, back to Winston-Salem, and then to Savannah GA and Charlotte NC. Upon retirement the couple settled in Forest City NC, Jack's hometown. As a widow, Hilda lived in Rutherfordton, NC. In each town, Hilda created a home that was always open to her nieces and nephews and her children's friends. Even strangers meeting her for the first time were impressed by her Christian hospitality. Episcopal churches were blessed by her music ministry in Sunday School departments, summer VBS weeks and children's choirs. In addition to singing in various community choral groups, Hilda and Jack sang in the choir of every church they joined. St. Paul's Episcopal Church choir in W-S was the longest choral service experience for both of them, lasting over 20 years. Educating young children, designing art projects, enjoying family reunions, leading Girl Scouts, being an active member of Daughters of the King, and performing vocal music provided many special moments in Hilda's life. She doted on the family's dogs, but not many dogs, because each dog lived a long, happy, spoiled existence with her care. Hilda even trained one family dog to hop up on the piano bench, depress a few piano keys, and "sing a song". Never in Dogdom was anything more terrible sounding and so hilarious at the same time! Hilda taught kindergarten students for 10 years at St. John's Lutheran school in W-S, and kindergarten or pre-school in many other places. She also worked in hospitals in Winston-Salem, Savannah and Charlotte. Teaching children reading readiness skills was her favorite memory of her professional life. Throughout her long life, Hilda's hands were rarely still, as she enjoyed playing the piano, quilting, sewing clothes, creating folksy wreaths from twisting grapevines together-beautiful!-and we lost count long ago of the loaves of friendship bread she baked for others. Hilda was a woman who thoroughly lived for her family, enjoyed serving others of all ages, was a faithful friend, and loved singing to the Lord. The family thanks the staff of Sayre Christian Village for their kind and compassionate care of their mother during her time living in Kentucky. The residents there were blessed by Hilda's daily piano performance in the lobby of her apartment building. Funeral Information Hilda's life will be celebrated on Sunday, January 30, at 2:00pm, at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 408 North Main Street, Rutherfordton, N.C. 28139. A Graveside Service will immediately follow at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 2676 Hudlow Road, Forest City, N.C. 28043. Friends and family are invited to join her family for lunch in the St. Francis Parish Hall at noon.