Dorothy M. Wilson

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Dorothy M. Wilson, 89, of Evansville, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center.

Dorothy was the younger of two daughters born to Ernest and Lizzie (Barnes) Martin of Providence, Ky.

She was a talented pianist who toured with several of the "Big Bands" of the Midwest. She graduated from Bowling Green University in 1942 with a degree in English. While at college she met Thomas E. "Tom" Wilson and they were married in 1943. She traveled stateside with him in the military until he was stationed in Germany; her favorite place was El Paso, Texas, where she worked with the base dentist.

Until his return in 1946 she worked for the L and N Railroad, and upon his graduation with a degree in accounting they moved to Evansville in 1948. Dorothy was a frequent substitute teacher and librarian in the Evansville Public School system until she became the English teacher at Lockyear College, a position she served for 22 years until her retirement in 1985.

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, St. James East United Methodist Church and Methodist Temple and served throughout the years in a variety of leadership positions.

She was a strong supporter of her grandson's basketball years at Central High School and attended most games her grandson coached in Spencer County until her stroke in 2007.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 66 years and her sister, Delores (Hewlitt) Pickens of Providence.

She is survived by her two children, Martha (Larry) Kruse of Evansville and the Rev. Dr. P.T. Wilson of Greencastle, her only grandchild, David (Hayley) Kruse and her nephew, Hew (Keiko) Pickens of Diamond Bar, California.

The family wishes to express their many thanks to Dr. Patrick Flamion, his colleagues and staff for the 30 years of good care she received and to the staff of Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care she received during the last three and a half years.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714, with graveside services at 2 p.m. at Big Hill Cemetery in Providence.

Friends may visit Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church (Paid Vocalist Fund), 307 Simpson, Greencastle, IN 46135; St. Bernard School (CEF), 547 Elm Street, Rockport, IN 47635; or to Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center, 4255 Medwell Drive, Newburgh, IN 47630.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com