Josie L. Wilson

A Tribute to a Virtuous Woman
Josie Louise Wilson

On Wednesday, April 27, 1932 in the small rural town of Pewee Valley in Oldham County, Kentucky a beautiful African Violet was born. She was the fifth child born to her loving parents, the late Andrew Lee and Lizetta Gales Porter. Seven of her siblings preceded her in death; Charles Porter, Sylvia Bell, Darlene Baker, Elizabeth Jones, James Porter and William Porter.

There are so many things that could be said of her, but the greatest tribute are the words attributed to King Lemuel found in the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs.
To Mother Josie L. Wilson, we salute you this day.  As we read Proverbs 31, you possessed all of those characteristics and more: capable, trustworthy, brought good to granddaddy’s life, industrious, made constructive plans for the house, energetic, hard worker, helped those in need, strong (in character and commitment), dignified, gave instructions with kindness, and today your children are giving you praise and calling you blessed.

“A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" v.30
At an early age she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in the Presbyterian Church in Louisville. After the family relocated to Nashville she became a member of Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church where she served faithful until her health failed. At Gordon, she was a faithful member of the Communion Stewards Ministry, the Ushers Ministry and a member of the United Methodist Women Link #4. In her later years she was blessed by the ministry of the Celebration of Life Church.
As time progressed and her health began to decline, she stayed strong and unwavering in her faith. Those who came to visit her left encouraged. She was an inspiration to others. She didn’t complain, and we believe that “it is well with her soul”.
She is valuable to her husband. She is not only his helpmate and the mother of his children, but her actions show how much she means to him.

At the age of 18 she married her childhood sweetheart, the late Mr. Alfonzo E. Wilson. The Lord blessed them with over 42 years of marriage. Their union was blessed with eight children; two of whom preceded her in death, Yolanda Lowe and Emanuel Wilson.
She is valuable to her household.

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She was a product of Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky where she graduated in 1950. She was an industrious woman taking pride in owning several independent businesses. She was a superb seamstress and a master at reupholstering furniture. She was also a licensed Cosmetologist/Aesthetician and later becoming a Professional Cosmetology Instructor.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed
Josie had a servant’s heart, so she enjoyed serving people and spending time with family and friends. She was not only a loving and supportive wife, but also a sister, a loving mother, mother-in law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to many. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Her legacy to her children and grandchildren is the gift of personal quilts she made for each of them.

On the morning of Friday, February 16, 2018, in the midst of the rain, surrounded by loved ones, the sunrays of heaven opened up to receive our dear Josie Wilson. She peacefully departed this life without a struggle to be with the Lord and to join all those saints who had gone on before.

We give praise to God, in tribute of a virtuous woman. For now, to continue to live these virtues, she leaves her five children: Arvilla (Dennis) Troutman, Lamont Wilson, Richard (Rhonda) Wilson, Sabrina Shelton and Kim Stewart; three grandchildren reared in her home, Jason Wilson, Jasmine Wilson and Jajuan Stewart; sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn P. Archie; one brother, Willie Hagan Sr.; devoted friends, Addie Jones, Iris Teats. a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

We are eternally grateful for her devoted grandchildren and caregivers; Teia Lymon and her daughter, Armanee’ Lymon who opened their home; Ebonee’ Shelton, Dane’a Wilson and Jasmine Wilson, THANK YOU for your sacrifice and the love and care you provided.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her prize is far above rubies?" (Prov. 31:10) Well, we did find such a woman and her name was Josie L. Wilson. The beautiful African Violet has gone home.