Emily A. Wilson
Emily A. Wilson, 87, beloved wife for 63 years to the late Donald C. Wilson passed away Dec. 31, 2009 in Baltimore MD after a brief illness. Mrs. Wilson resided in Ashlar Village in Wallingford since 2007, but was formerly a long-time resident in Bethany. She was born in New Haven, the daughter of the late James and Myrtle Braxton Stanley. Mrs. Wilson's career spanned 36 years with the Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, and at the time of her retirement she held the position of Director of Management. In addition, she was engaged in the professional development of her field as demonstrated by her involvement in the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, where she progressed to the position of a Vice President in the New England Region. She was extremely involved in the leadership of a number of civic organizations in greater New Haven. Over the years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurse Association, American Red Cross (South Central Chapter), Connecticut Council on Day Care Services, and American Heart Association. In addition, Mrs. Wilson was appointed to the Connecticut Gaming Commission by Governor Ella T. Grasso. She was the recipient of numerous civic and community awards for dedicated and distinguished service. Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Wilson was deeply devoted to her church. She was committed to both her family church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church in New Haven, and Christ Episcopal Church in Bethany. In 1991, she was elected the national secretary of the Episcopal Church Women. At the Connecticut diocesan level of ECW, she served in many levels of leadership culminating as President. She was a member of the management board of Camp Washington; and was a member of the Executive Council and Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. In addition, she was a leader with the Society of Companions of the Holy Cross. Mrs. Wilson was a founding member of the Waterbury chapter of The Links, Inc.; and was an active member of Chums/Hums, Inc. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Wilson Johnson and her husband, Charles W. Johnson of Baltimore, MD; a granddaughter, The Reverend Tracy Johnson Russell (Fitzroy), Vicar of St. Andrew's Episcopal church of New Haven; and a sister, Geraldine G. Brown of Durham, N.C. She was predeceased by her brothers James, Oscar and Winfred. A requiem Mass will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11 am in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the church from 9:45 - 10:45am. Burial in Christ Episcopal Church cemetery in Bethany will be private. Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Wilson's memory may be sent to: Your Place Youth Center, 155 Ivy Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
My sincere condolences to all of Emily’s family. I loved Emily, as did all of her good friends. I loved her wonderful voice at church as well…and I loved seeing her and Don together. If ever there was a love story, I believe it’s theirs. I also know , as does everyone, how she missed him these last few years…and I’m sure she decided to join him now. Emily would perhaps frown on this way of communication so I hope she forgives me! Like my own Mother, Emily was every bit a lady…and I know how my Mother would feel about my writing this, which would not be positive. I know Emily will rest in peace, alongside her beloved Don. Sandy Hook-Christ Church, Bethany
This prayer by William Penn best expresses my feelings on the death of Emily .We give back, to you, O God, those whom you gave to us. You did not lose them when you gave them to us, and we do not lose them by their return to you. Your dear Son has taught us that life is eternal and love cannot die. So death is only an horizon, and an horizon is only the limit of our sight. Open our eyes more clearly, and draw us closer to you that we may know that we are nearer to our loved ones, who are with you. You have told us that you are preparing a place for us: prepare us also for that happy place, that where you are we may also be always, O dear Lord of life and death. Amen..
Donna: I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I always enjoyed the company of your mother and father during visits and outings with my Aunt Sarah and Uncle Ralph. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Arlyne Jackson.
Dear Donna and Family: I was saddened to hear about your mother’s death. She was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed my conversations with her. Your father was a good man and I remember your mother missing him terribly after he died. Although it was only recently that I came to know them, the warmth and love that they shared impressed me greatly and made it obvious that they were very special people. My condolences.
Dear Donna, Charles and Family: You have my sincere sympathy at the passing of your mother. May memories of happy times spent together sustain you during this time of grief. .In remembering, we keep what is best as treasures forever.. Sorrowfully, Agnes
Dear Tracy and Family, With fond memories and great affection, please accept my condolences. Regards, Bonni P. McKenney Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
Donna: We are so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Elizabeth & Julian Braxton
Remembering Emily and all the good times that we shared. Sincre condolences to the family. Geri
Rest in Peace .Aunt Emily!. Blessings to you, Donna and family!
Dear Donna, Charles & Family, I am so saddened to hear of Emily’s passing. My mother, Helen, told about it last week. I will definitely remember the good times we had growing up with her. She was the iconic Jack and Jill mom! ….and such a lady. I admired her dignity as much as I enjoyed her laugh. We were all blessed by her presence. Charles H. Johnson Los Angeles, CA Gary N. Johnson Fremont, CA Gerald A. Johnson Alameda, CA Helen T. Johnson New Haven, CT
Grand lady of the New Haven Housing Authority where I served briefly as Project Planning Officer, before graduating from Yale Law School in 1971.
The Dennis, Moore and Benton Families of Chelsea, Mass were sadened to hear of the death of such a prominent family member, as our search to identify our loved ones through genealogy networks. The memories of our loved ones of the entire family are being celebreated in documented in a publication due out in 2013. We hope to include many, many biographies such as your mother and other family members. The family reunion in 1982, has been long past and other family reunions are certainly a wonderful way for all of us to connect. With love and hope that we our families make an effort to remember our past, celebrate our present and look foward that all generations know one another. Tiffany L. Moore