In Memory
Information from Sally Gnott 10/07/2018
Frances Joan Wilson
Aug. 23, 1939 - Dec. 13, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Frances Joan Carter was the eldest child of Frances A. and Thomas B. Carter. Joan was born on August 23, 1939, and was a life-long resident of South Bend.
She graduated from Central High School in 1957 and married Willie B. Wilson in December 1959. The couple later divorced. While raising a family of four as a single parent, Joan obtained both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in education from Indiana University. She became a teacher and taught in the South Bend Community School Corporation for over 40 years. She spent most of her career at Riley High School as a reading specialist in English.
Affectionately known by many as "Miss Wilson," Joan was known for being a tough but fair teacher. She enjoyed teaching very much. During her tenure, she touched the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom took the opportunity to thank her when they met her in the mall and at other places. She was also respected by her colleagues for her dedication to her profession. Joan was an advocate for education and community outreach, serving with the National Education Association, the Indiana Teachers Association, and a variety of other civic and social service organizations.
She was well-traveled, regularly visiting family in California, participating in senior bus trips around the country and venturing to other places around the world. Her most recent and rewarding trip was to Egypt in February 2009. On December 13, 2009, Joan passed after a prolonged illness.
She is survived by four sons, Ivan Joaquin Wilson (Marcia) of Los Angeles, Jamie Raphael Gryson (Michele) of South Bend, Otis Renaldo Wilson (Darla) of South Bend and Stephen Mark Reeves (Donita) of Los Angeles; her mother, Frances Carter of South Bend; three brothers and sisters, who resided in Los Angeles, CA, Thomas Carter, Ronald Carter, Gregory Carter and Sheryl Carter Negash. She also has 11 grandchildren, Brandon and Dominic Wilson of Los Angeles, Toccara Wilson, Marquitta Barbara, Alex Wilson, Rachel Grayson, Zachery Newgent, Jaimi Grayson and Taylor Grayson of South Bend; a great-grandchild, Jayben Barbara; and loving nephews and nieces, aunts and cousins.
Visitation services for Mrs. Frances J. Wilson will be held today, Dec. 17th, in the Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home Inc., 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 18th, in the New Bethel Tabernacle, 2627 Napier St., South Bend, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow funeral services at Highland Cemetery.
The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
03/25/2022 DEC
|