Darlene Wilson (photo from Steve Wilson’s Facebook page)
From former COMBO Board Member Steve Wilson on Facebook, 8/16/19: My Mom Darlene Wilson went home today. After 92 years, she finally is in heaven with the good lord. She had great faith in Jesus and loved singing and playing gospel music on her organ and accordion. She was the keyboardist at church for many years. My Dad Lonnie and Mom also performed country music together in Louisiana . She is loved by so many and has blessed so many ppl with her love, prayers and song. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Services were held on Sunday, August 18th at the Watson Funeral Home, Knoxville, TN.
The COMBO Board sends its sincerest condolences to you and your family, Steve. We are so saddened by your loss.
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GALESBURG – Darlene B. Wilson, 92, Galesburg, died early Friday morning, Aug. 16, 2019, at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.
Darlene was born April 30, 1927, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Nathan Samuel and Wilma Vell (Carruthers) Barker. She married Lonnie W. Wilson on June 20, 1944, in Ottumwa.
Darlene is survived by one daughter, Linda (Ronald) Friend of Galesburg; two sons, Micheal (Sue) Wilson and Stephen (Kathy) Wilson, both of Galesburg; one sister, Dorothy Jo O’Bryant of Sarasota, Florida; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great- grandchildren.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; one brother; and one great-granddaughter.
Darlene worked for many years as an activity therapist at Galesburg Mental Health. She was a charter member of Baker Assembly of God Church, Baker, Louisiana. Darlene was an active member at the Church of God in Galesburg, teaching Sunday school for many years, and sharing her love of music with the church as the organist for many years. Darlene and Lonnie played in the Louisiana Hayride together for several years. She loved collecting dolls, reading, camping, garage sales, bluegrass festivals and time with her family. Darlene was also a longtime member of ASCFME Union.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Pastor Jack Hastings will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.watsonthomas.com.
Published in The Register-Mail on Aug. 20, 2019