Shirley Esther Wilson

Shirley Esther Wilson, a beloved lady of faith and grace peacefully passed away in Albuquerque on Monday, November 30, 2020. Shirley was a lovingly devoted wife, mother, grandma, sister, friend, and mentor. Besides being a dedicated homemaker, she was also a loyal Sears retiree.

She was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, May 21, 1928. After her family moved to Dawson, New Mexico, she met and subsequently married the love of her life, Donald J. Wilson. They were such gifts from God to one another. Among many other memorable traits, a number of people remember them as a dynamically delightful dancing duo. They were married 54 years until her beloved hubby went to his home in heaven May 6, 2000. The heavenly saints can now enjoy watching them again dance together as they rejoice in a heavenly life that is a forever gift through their Savior, Jesus Christ. Shirley was also preceded in death by her devoted parents, Ed & Kathryn Bain, as well as her remarkable sister, June Hitchcock. She is survived by her beloved brother, Kenny Bain, and wife, Barbara; three sons, Pastor Don Wilson and wife, Linda; Rocky Wilson and wife, Florence "Flo" and Gary Wilson; grandchildren, Kimberly Ellison and husband, Jason; Kelly May and husband, James; Yvonne Arrossa; Leroy Garcia and wife, Yvonne; Monica Stapleton; Vince Garcia; Brock Wilson and wife, Savannah; Lacey Wilson and Jake Wilson; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and many other loving family members and friends.

We plan to celebrate and honor the 92 years she was gifted to us in a service on Sunday, September 26th, 2:00 pm at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, (505) 821-1993. Heights was her home church where she was active in many ministries throughout almost 50 years. A few of her many favorites included being a choir member/choir mom/choir grandma, sharing in the soul-to-soul connections of the Dinosaurs Covenant Group and serving as a Stephen Minister. Some folks will get a kick out of remembering how she would occasionally stand up during a service in order to make a worshipfully meaningful remark or some other remark she felt was important. In honoring Shirley, memorial contributions may be made to DLD Sycamore School where she was on staff for a number of years and/or Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, designated for Worship and Music Ministries, both of them at the address noted for the service. Shirley will be greatly missed; however, she will remain in our hearts and her lifelong legacy will continue to influence our lives.