Anna Geneva Wilson

Ann Wilson was 'Mama' to her family and everyone who met her. Her bright smile and loving manner, her sense of humor and pointing finger endeared her to strangers, and conveyed her unconditional love to those close to her. She loved babies and children and lit up when she saw them. She raised two children of her own – Barbara Mays, her daughter, and Ken Wilson, her son. She taught her own children to love and forgive and learn and delight in the world and in people. She raised them as a single parent, always strong despite pain and sacrifice, never letting negative thoughts color the lives of her family.

Ann was a graduate of Louisville Girls High School in 1937 1/2, her ceremony delayed by the disastrous flood of that year. After her marriage to James Wilson, she became a secretary, eventually working at Goldproof Elevator as a tireless, precise, talented employee. She loved to tell the story of being such a fast typist she could shut down an electric typewriter. Her work went well beyond her ordinary duties, and she never complained.

Despite her work, Ann was always quick to volunteer, especially if it was for young people. She helped at her children's school and was a counselor at the YWCA. Her patient, loving manner, her openness and understanding made kids feel welcome in her presence, gave them a caring shoulder, a listening ear. That grace and manner lasted all her life. Until the end, she was a source of warmth and gentle laughter to those around her. It will be with a smile she will be remembered when we see a happy baby or a peach-colored flower or a smell cookies baking or remember her quirky sayings and hilarious comebacks and one-liners.

In the last years of her life, she was blessed with the loving care of her grandson, Keith Mays, and his wife, Teresa. Their devotion and sacrifices for her have gained the gratitude of the whole family. That care was aided with the affection and work of Ann's daughter, Barbara, her granddaughter, Leanna Mays, her son-in-law Donald Mays, and her daughter-in-law Carolyn Wilson.

Ann Wilson is survived by her children, her grandchildren, Scott Mays, Leanna Mays, Keith Mays, Jonas Wilson, and Devin Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Barrett Mays, Geneva Mays, Dacoda Mays, Lukas Mays, Quillan Wilson and Kai Wilson; her great-great-grandchildren, Duke Mays, Maddie Mays, Teghann Mays and Luke Michael Schmidt.

Visitation will be 1-6pm on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive in Middletown, followed by a celebration of life at 6pm. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Academy Individual Excellence Scholarship Fund (aiexcellence.com).

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