Mrs. Janice L. Wilson, 85, of Eatonton, GA, began her journey into eternity on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in Macon, GA.
A public visitation will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Bernard’s Family Funeral Care “The Eatonton Chapel”, commencing at 4:00PM and concluding at 6:00PM.
The Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 1:00PM; in the parking lot of Union Baptist Church 240 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Eatonton, GA 31024.
The interment will take place at East Eatonton City Cemetery.
Janice Louise Crawford-Gilmore Wilson was born in Abbeville, AL on June 24, 1936 to the late Richard Gilmore and the late Dora Crawford.
After graduating high school, Janice enrolled at Alabama State College in Montgomery, AL. Her enrollment coincided with the Civil Rights Movement, led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Janice participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott during her time at college, standing up in her own quiet way for equality and freedom.
Janice graduated from Alabama State in 1958 and relocated to Brewton, AL to begin her teaching career. A mutual colleague introduced her to a fellow educator, Isaiah Wilson, Jr., who would become her husband. Isaiah and Janice married on December 19, 1965 and moved to Eatonton, GA to continue their careers as educators. Mrs. Wilson later earned her Masters Degree in Education at the University of Georgia.
Mrs. Wilson was one of the first black educators to desegregate Putnam County Schools. Her efforts were instrumental in bringing equality to education and ushering in an era where students of all races were educated side-by-side. For decades, Mrs. Wilson supported countless students in achieving academic and life success. She truly enjoyed educating students and took pride in their accomplishments under her guidance.
Mrs. Wilson was an active and longtime member and esteemed mother of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She also enjoyed participating in fellowship and activities at the Eatonton Senior Center, where she was a well-known and frequent attendee.
Mrs. Wilson was the matriarch of both her mother and father's side of the family. She leaves the beloved impression of her memories with her son, Rodney Wilson, her daughter Denise Wilson, six grandchildren: Cameron, Daniel, Khayla, Isaiah, Taylor, and Jaedon; and three great-grandchildren: Chyna, Cash and Camry. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Isaiah Wilson, Jr. and leaves behind many friends, family, colleagues, former students and relatives to cherish her memories.
Bernard’s Eatonton Chapel is honored to serve the Wilson family.
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