Mrs. Ruth J. Wilson

Mrs. Ruth Graham Wilson passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center on June 22, 2012.

Ruth was born on August 23, 1937 in Gaffney, SC to Sudie Graham. She graduated from Granard State High School in Gaffney, SC and attended Winston-Salem’s Teacher College (WSSU). Mrs. Graham worked as a factory worker at Hanes and Taylor Brothers Tobacco Company, ending her career working closely with the family of Dr. Antoinette Wymer and Dr. Michael Sollenberger of Winston-Salem, NC.

Ruth was a special person with the kind of wisdom most of us wished we had. She was generous and kind, a devoted daughter, sister and friend. She never met a child or small dog that she didn’t love. She cherished her family and friends, loved all sports and had a deep abiding faith. She was a devoted member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ms. Sudie Graham, her husband, Herman Wilson, her sister, Darlene Lipscomb and her two brothers, Thomas Graham and Howard Graham.

Ruth is survived by one brother, Mr. Eugene Graham, one sister, Mrs. Ilo Graham Hairston (James), two sister-cousins, Jacqueline Tolbert and Edith Mehlinger, 13 nieces and nephews and many great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She held a special place in her heart for her devoted nephew, Tim Hairston who she raised as a son and his wife Nikki. She was also a very special part of the family of Toni Wymer and Michael Sollenberger and a “second mom” to their children, Matthew, Julia and Ben.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Mount Zion Baptist Church with Dr. Serenus T. Church, Sr., eulogist. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Ruth will be missed but her memory will be carried forward in the echoes of her laughter, by her many acts of quiet kindness and the encouragement that she gave to all of us.

For a copy of the Funeral Program, click here