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Donald Edward Wilson, Sr. was born August 29, 1938 to the late Marion Stancel Wilson and Georgia Minnie Wilson. He was the fourth of eleven children born to this union. Donald graduated from Brighton High School in May of 1956. Later in life, he went on to complete ministerial courses at Beeson Divinity School - Samford University.
Donald accepted Christ at a young age at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bessemer, Alabama, where he faithfully served the Lord on the Steward Board, in the Senior Choir and he was the Superintendent for Sunday School for several years. Donald served the Lord with all of his heart, soul and mind. He would often say, “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be.”
On March 8, 1958, Donald was united in holy matrimony with his high school sweetheart, Amanda Annetta Harville. After a few years of marriage, the newlyweds moved to Brighton, Alabama to be fruitful and multiply their seed. On the top of the hill at McClain Street and Howard Avenue, Donald designed and built a lovely home for his wife and children. The house was eventually filled with four tiny feet, joy and laughter from their four children ~ Debra Ann, Cheryl Renee, Donna Patricia and Donald Jr. Donald a.k.a. “Pops” raised his children up in church to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ so that when they are old, they will not depart from the Lord [Proverbs 22:6]. Donald was an amazing husband, father, brother and friend. He had a welcoming spirit, always full of life and hospitality.
At the age of nine years old, Donald learned how to hang wallpaper while working with his father and brothers. Donald demonstrated exceptional talents in the field. As an entrepreneur in the wallpaper industry, Donald secured commercial contracts with major homebuilders, hotel corporations and individuals. Through his ‘gifted hands’ he hung wallpaper and beautified several establishments in Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois, Ohio and Texas. He also worked at Woodward Iron Company and U.S. Steel. Upon the closure of these plants, he joined the Wells Fargo family and worked diligently until he retired. During this period of time, Donald also answered his calling to preach the uncompromising Gospel of Jesus Christ in 2007. In October 2012, Donald was ordained a local elder in the 9th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He worked in ministry at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church under the leadership of the appointed pastor.
Donald departed this earthly life on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones. He was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Georgia Minnie; siblings – Sadie Pearl Wilson, Nadine Robinson, Marian Hill and Albert E. Wilson, Sr.
Fondly called Pops, Paw Paw and Pete by loved-ones, Donald is survived by his lovley wife, Amanda Annetta Harville children – Debra (Rickey) Willis, Rev. Cheryl R. Wilson, Donna (Sylvester) Thornton, and Donald (Sonia) Wilson. Donald is also survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; five brothers – Harold Wilson, George Wilson, Willie Charles (Bettye) Wilson, Wallace (Barbara) Wilson and Bishop Anthony (Charlotte) Wilson; one sister, Bettye Jo Wilson; two brothers-in-law Rufus (Gladys) Harville and Willie (Hannah) Harville; and 5 sisters-in-law – Ruth Ackers, Rutilla Cathey, Margie Blue and Ovetta McMeans; nieces, nephews; cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.
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