Sara Frances Chance Wilson

Wilson, Sara Frances Chance 86, of St. Petersburg, died suddenly at home on Saturday, December 20, 2008 of natural causes. Born in Atlanta, GA in 1922, Frances moved to St. Petersburg at age 2 and was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church of St. Petersburg. A former Miss St. Petersburg and graduate of St. Petersburg High School in 1938 then attended St. Petersburg Junior College. In 1940, she married Ralph Lamar Wilson Sr. and supported his military duties during WWII as a member of the "Greatest Generation." Frances was an accomplished pianist who played for many organizations including the Mt. Vernonaires and the Parade of Homes for the benefit of the Florida Orchestra. She was a member of the St. Petersburg Woman's Club, Stuart Society, Southern Ladies, Sintilites, Eastern Star and Bucketeers. She was a committed supporter of Native Americans, Museum of Fine Arts and animals' rights. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends, traveling with her husband, summering in North Carolina, reading, and playing with her cats. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Frances will be missed by all whose lives she touched, a true Southern lady. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lamar Wilson Sr.; mother, Sara Mae Chance; and grandson, Robert Hawkins Johnson III. She is survived by her sons, Ralph Lamar Bobbie Wilson Jr. and Stephen Edward Mary-O Wilson; daughters, Sally Wilson Rob Wedding and Linda Lee Wilson George Palm; grandchildren, S. Lamar Wilson, Tiffany Wilson Frank Lawson, Sara Ashley Palm Lucas Higman, Keegan Carlisle Wilson, Christopher S. Wedding, Michael R. Wedding, Lucy and Olivia James; and great-grandchild, Jack Hamilton Lawson. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 beginning at 11 AM with a service at 1 PM both at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK Jr. St., followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., 4210 77th Street E., Palmetto, FL 34221, Friends of Strays, 3660 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33781, or the Humane Society of Pinellas, 3040 Sr-590, Clearwater, FL 33759.