Alonzo Wilson

Obituary For Alonzo Wilson

Alonzo “Al” Wilson was born January 23, 1942 in Hernando, Mississippi, one of 10 children born to Lorena Holloway. His early life was spent with family who were sharecroppers and migrant workers. At age 16, Alonzo moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin as part of the African American Great Migration North. During his early years in the Midwest, he worked as a factory worker, a cook at Marquette University, and opened his own restaurant. Additionally, Alonzo was a social activist during the Civil Rights Movement. As a member of the NAACP Youth Council Commandos, Alonzo was part of an all-male security unit which went into dangerous situations to protect marchers including Father James Groppie.

Alonzo will always be best known for his love of music, a love that would burn bright until he transitioned on March 2, 2023, due to complications from COVID-19. Alonzo “Al” Wilson recorded such memorable songs as “Love You Girl,” “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Trouble.” His happy place was honing his craft in his basement studio on the eastside of Milwaukee. He loved touring the south and playing with the likes of O.V. Write, Willie Cobbs and his best friend for nearly six decades, Johnny Rawls. His entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to launch Lacy Production Publishing Company and “Al Wilson’s Class A Solo Act,” a one man show, using emerging music technology including synthesizers and recording equipment.

Alonzo’s legacy will live on through his children who affectionately referred to him as “Pops” including his four sons, Christopher Wilson, Shawn (ShaVonna) Wilson, Todd Wilson, Joseph (Brandie) Wilson and his five daughters, Tara Wilson, Letitia Wilson, Monique Wilson, Erica Wilson, and Phoebe Wilson.

Alonzo was known as “Pa Pa” to over a dozen doting grandchildren including Kadeam Wilson, Amyiah Wilson, Madisyn Wilson, McKenzy Wilson, Holland Wilson, Shawn Alonzo Wilson, Chloe Wilson, and Joseph Wilson, Jr. The typical visit to Pa Pa’s included an oral history session, music lessons and concluded with an intergenerational jam session featuring the guitar, keyboard, and vocal arrangements.

Ultimate bliss for Alonzo was seeing generations come together for family outings which always included a generous amount of “vittles” prepared with love. Pops will forever be remembered for his intellect and word play skills across a plethora of topics including music, life in the deep south during the Jim Crow era, politics, his faith, current events and popular culture. Pops had an infectious smile, laugh, style and charisma that he referred to as “that Wilson thang.”

Alonzo Wilson's Homegoing Performance will be held at Gwinnett Christian Terrace, 414 Berkmar Way NW, Lilburn, GA 30047 on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 2 -5 PM. Final arrangements entrusted to Willie A Watkins Funeral Home. 770-836-0044.