Helen Marie Wilson

Helen Marie Wilson, 91 of 800 South Street, Utica, NY, passed away on August 19, 2018 in Palm Bay, Fl.  Mother Wilson lived with her daughter Catherine and son-in-law Bobby King from August 2015 until her passing in 2018. 

Mother Wilson was born on June 10, 1927 to Pastor Matthew Blackshear and Mary Ella Butts in Gardners, GA.  Mother Wilson was the last living child of the founder of St. Matthews Temple C.O.G.I.C.  Mother Wilson was a charter member and longest active parishioner of her father’s church.  At St. Matthews Temple, she served on the Christian Council for over 50 years, loved and served on the “Mother’s Board”, an arm of the church that teaches and prepares younger women to live for the Lord.  While in Florida, she attended Christian Fellowship C.O.G.I.C. under the watch care of Pastor Ronnie Fields, where she was appointed to the “Mother’s Board”. 

Mother Wilson met and married Emmitt Wilson, Sr. in Utica, NY on June 13, 1945 and were married for 35 years.  From this union, they had Emmitt Wilson, Jr., Willie (Diane) Wilson, Marie Wilson, Catherine (Bobby) King and Madelyn Wilson. 

Mr. & Mrs. Wilson owned Royal Cleaners for 32 years.  Mother Wilson was the first black Matron of the Utica Police Department.  She also worked during her retirement in a part time position at The State of New York, she was also a member of the Bessie Hicks Senior Citizens Club, The Retirement Union and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Starlight Chapter #6.

Mother Wilson leaves behind to celebrate her homegoing, her son Willie Wilson (NY), daughters, Marie Wilson (FL), Catherine Wilson King (Fl) and Madelyn Wilson (Fl); 28 grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grandchildren and special cousin/friend Mildred Burke.

Mother Wilson was predeceased by her husband Emmitt Wilson, Sr., and children stepdaughter Rosalie Wilson Cawthon and son Emmitt Wilson, Jr., sisters: Hermie Perry, Mary Griffin, Thelma Pierce and Mildred Jones; brothers:  Roy Blackshear, Ralph Blackshear and Willie Blackshear, Sr.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Buggs FH (Melbourne, Fl), Sabrina Battes, Geneva Coleman, Hospice of Melbourne, FL. And all the family and friends who have shown their support to our family during our time of grief