Judith Ann Sorensen Wilson

Judith Ann Sorensen Wilson, 79 was born in Flandreau, South Dakota to Leo & Edith Stephenson. Her father died when she was two and her mom later married Raymond Sorensen, who also adopted Judi and raised her & her brother as his own. She spent her childhood in Flandreau with her late parents Ray & Edith Sorensen, her brothers Lynn, Rod & Larry as well as her cousins, Bill, Bob & Rocky. Some of her fondest memories come from being on the family farm. She especially remembers times playing in the Trent swimming hole, making cookies with Rod, skiing of the roof with Larry and rocking him as a baby. She always told stories about her big brother Lynn who let her play 1st base as long as she could take the hard throwing balls like the other boys and she did! When Judi, her brothers and the cousins all got together as adults those fun farm stories all came out in such fond laughter. Judi also enjoyed that she completed elementary at Juve school – a one-room school with all the farm kids and then graduated from Flandreau High School. She was proud of the awards she earned (academic honors and sewing) but enjoyed the friendships that have lasted a life-time.

Judi then completed secretary school even though she dreamed of being a pilot. This provided her an opportunity to move to Washington DC, where she worked on Capitol Hill for South Dakota Senator Ben Rifle. She loved to explore that area and shared an apartment with 5 other young ladies that stayed in touch till the end. During this time, Judi was also Ms. South Dakota for the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom festival. While she did not win, she learned very valuable lessons from all the etiquette courses she had to complete.

Judi also met her husband of 29 years Byron Wilson, Sr. at that time. They married 11/27/1964 and moved back to Kentucky where he was from. A few years later they started their family with Byron Wilson, Jr.’s birth. They then moved to South Dakota and Iowa, where their daughter Stephannie was born. As time went on, the family ended up in Kennett, Mo. During this time Judi became involved in First Presbyterian Church, The Adelphian Club (President), she was an assistant Girl Scout Leader and one of her proudest groups to be involved in the Delta Children’s home board (Chairman)- where she helped a young man move through the system to successfully go into the military. Judi had a love of helping people and community. Judi was always about kindness and grace and was known for her smile. She enjoyed sitting with her neighbors in the Sparks’ front yard swing to finish a day out. Judi also used this time to go back to school where she earned an associates degree and then a bachelor degree in Human Services; Judi became the local hospital HR Director. She was great at finding ways to empower others, follow the rules and make sure all were treated fair. She was proud that she could do a tough job and had gone back to complete school. Judi finished her career & retired from an HR director position in El Dorado, Arkansas. She then moved to the Jackson, TN area to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter.

Judi’s biggest love was her grandchildren and children. She would keep special snacks in the fridge for the grandchildren that her children never could get her to buy. She was teased about this and she would just laugh. Judi always made sure both granddaughters got Grammie Judi time. She would bake, get art supplies out, read to them and most of all play with them. She loved to garden, travel, sew, play tennis and especially golfed in her later years. She also had so much fun with boot scooting line dancing and when younger swing dancing. Judi was an avid reader and was always looking for the next adventure.

Judi had struggle with stroke dementia in her final years and recently caught Covid and passed away on July 23, 2022. Judi is survived by her children- Byron “BJ” Wilson (Amy) & Stephannie Williams (Brian); her granddaughters Raven Wilson & Rayanna Williams. Her brothers Lynn Sorensen (Linda), Rod Sorensen (Karen) and Larry Sorensen (Gina) & the many cousins and nieces and nephews that were all so loved by her.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 12-1 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Funeral services will be held at 1 pm with Rev. Courtney Bowen of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Cremation will follow the service.

Judi asked that all memorial donations be made to The Delta Children’s home (P.O. Box 573, Kennett, MO 63857), First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, TN or First Presbyterian Church in Kennett, MO.