Willie Mae Cox Wilson

Willie Mae Cox Wilson passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Bells Nursing Home. Mrs. Wilson was born on April 19, 1909 in Martin, Tennessee. She received her early education in the Martin City schools, attended Abilene Christian University and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Peabody College. She was the recipient of a national Lion Oil scholarship for outstanding teachers which she used to complete her masters degree at Memphis State University. Mrs. Wilson was a dearly loved and highly respected teacher. She began her teaching career in Palmersville, TN and later taught at Sharon, Martin and Lexington High Schools. During her forty-two years in the classroom, she was a positive influence on many young people and was honored by being inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame and chosen to be included on the University of Tennessee’s Education Wall of Honor. Mrs. Wilson was a faithful member at the Lexington Broad Street Church of Christ where she taught the Ladies Bible Class. After moving to Jackson, she attended Skyline Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, Wilburn Blair (Bill) Wilson, her parents, Alfred T. and Verna Cox; her sister, Lillian White and a nephew, Joe W. White. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Wilson Higgs and husband, Dr. Bob Higgs; one grandson, Dr. Wilson Clark Higgs and wife Rachel; three great grandsons: Wilson, William and Wyatt Higgs; one niece, Pat White and three great nieces and their families. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, September 24, 2007 at the Eastside Cemetery in Martin, TN. Conducting the service will be Ed Neal White and Charles Thomason. Pallbearers to serve are: Billy Schrivner, Dr. W. Clark Higgs, Paul Nielsen, Dr. Karl Warren, Dr. Mike Short and Dr. Danny Walker. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Griggs, F.L. Todd and James Gurley. The Wilson family will receive friends at Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Broad Street Church of Christ in Lexington; Youth Town of West Tennessee or the charity of your choice.

Willie Mae Cox Wilson

April 19, 1909 - September 22, 2007