Carol Wilson Jerrell

Carol was born on March 1, 1944 to Reams Louis Wilson and Bonnie Edwards Wilson in Big Rock, Tennessee. She always expressed that she felt blessed to grow up in a loving, Christian home. Her parents encouraged her talents which laid the foundation for her future success. At the age of 8 she shared her love for the piano by playing for her church on Sunday mornings. She often shared that her fondest childhood memories were sitting at her mother’s feet listening and talking with her Aunts. This was a favorite time later shared with her little sister and her younger brother even joined in at times just to “aggravate” them with his boyish tendencies. As a child she excelled academically and within her extracurricular activities. Piano was constantly pursued as was singing. In Junior High School she was selected as an all district basketball player. In Senior High School she committed to cheerleading where she was elected captain of the cheerleading squad her Junior and Senior year. A love for singing, playing the piano and encouraging others were childhood pursuits that followed her through the end of her life.

As she graduated high school at the top of her class she earned a full scholarship to Austin Peay State University, where she pursued a degree in history. Her love for history showed through her undergraduate work as she graduated Valedictorian with her Bachelors of Arts in History. Alongside studying she took time to mentor women as a Floor Counselor in her dorm and was active in her Baptist Student Union. She was also a leader at Austin Peay and served as the secretary to the president of the student body. Following graduation she was again awarded a full scholarship to pursue her Masters of Arts in History. Graduating at the top of her class she earned her Masters of Arts in History which led her to Jacksonville, Florida to be a college professor. Alongside her educational achievements she became an accomplished pianist and vocalist becoming opera trained.

In her new home she was a member of First Baptist Jacksonville where she sang in the Chancel Choir and met her husband, Reverend Virgil Jerrell, in 1971. When she saw him the first time she prayed, “Lord, I would like to know him!” and her prayer was answered. The next 53 years were spent serving together in ministry and even teaching together in the Duval County School System. Her love for American History, The Constitution, and America’s Democratic Republic was evident during her 43 years of teaching at the high school and college level. She continued to mentor others through her professional career by teaching higher education classes as well as sponsoring extracurricular clubs and activities. She often encountered her former high school students who expressed their gratitude for her time with them, love as well as knowledge for American History, and her interest in their wellbeing.

In her personal life she touched many women through ministry at her and her husband's churches. As in her own life she knew the importance of prayer. She was a prayer warrior and to be known by her was to be prayed for by her. Carol served the final 28 years of her life at the Friendship Advent Christian Church. It was here that they began their ministry together and 53 years later where their ministry ended. She came to play the piano all those years ago and it is here that she played the piano on the final Sunday of her life.

Believers will see Carol again when Christ returns for His church.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Reverend Virgil Jerrell; her brother Michael Wilson (Connie) of Big Rock, TN; sister Susan Wilson Smith (Bobby) Palmyra, TN; three nieces Laurel Wilson Herrera (Victor) of Nashville, TN, Whitney Wilson Levin (Mark) of Clarksville, TN, and Carla Smith Rhudy (Austin) of Charlotte, NC; great nephews, Cole and Cooper Levin; one great, great niece, Clover Grey Levin, and many beloved family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Friendship Community Advent Church

A visitation for Carol will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at West Jacksonville Advent Christian Church, 8376 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 2, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 8376 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221. A committal service will occur Friday, August 2, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Hardage- Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.