Zoe Anna Wilson

Zoe Anna Wilson was born October 19, 1935, in Ft. Worth, Texas. Her earthly life ended on May 8, at the of 87. She is survived by her husband, Bishop Joe A. Wilson, her daughter Mari M. Wilson, two granddaughters, Tiffani Sheinbein, and her husband Dr. Courtney Sheinbein, Kaysi Harkrader and her husband Bryan Harkrader, three grandsons, Rick, Leo, and Travis Coakley, and three great grandchildren: Taylor, Lydia, and Iris. She is predeceased by her son, Paul Wilson.

Zoe lived in Marshall, Texas from a young child through her high school graduation. She then attended Southwestern University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Education, specializing in early childhood years. After graduation, she taught one year at the only elementary school in Georgetown at that time, Annie Purl Elementary. At the end of that year, she married her husband, Joe, and travelled to Dallas, Texas for his three year Theological Education, at Perkins School of Theology at SMU.

Zoe served as the spouse of her United Methodist Minister for 38 years, 30 years in United Methodist Churches, and 8 years as the spouse of a United Methodist Bishop. She was not, however, defined by these roles. Zoe Wilson had her own unique ministry in every setting. She was not only a charming and gifted hostess, she was one who brought a loving, caring involvement in, ecumenical ministries, local and global. She initiated a drive which resulted in 4,000 tennis shoes for children in United Methodist ministries global outreach. She was honored by a scholarship which helped care for children before and after school by the United Ministries of Ft. Worth, because of her tremendous community support for empowering people and building community. Her advocacy for kids is legendary. She loved being around children and affirming them. Her loving Bishop husband also described her "Carrie Nation" spirit when she confronted a drive-in grocery chain for displaying questionable magazines in a prominent place where all children could see it. She was successful in helping them "see the light".

Above all, Zoe Wilson was a beautiful mother, defined by her deceased son's delightful description: "Mom, if I could pick the numbers and you were the lottery, I would say I won the million dollar prize to have a mom like you." Zoe Wilson brought a sensitive spirit of love to everyone she met, and her circle of love included all of racial, gender, economic differences.

Her Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, June 3, 2:00 in the afternoon, at First United Methodist Church, Georgetown, Texas. Memorial gifts may be given to the Children Ministries of First United Methodist Church (410 East University Ave., Georgetown, TX., 78626) or to the United Methodist Committee for Overseas Relief, in care of First United Methodist Church.