Whether a death is sudden or expected, the loss of a loved one is indescribable.

It is with profound sadness that  Eddie & Jackie Nelson and the Support Staff of Nelson's  Funeral Home, announce death of Mrs. Lugenia Wilson, 86, of Blair, South Carolina.

Mrs. Wilson transitioned into eternity Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Wilson will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018, 12:00 p.m. at McCrorey School of Technology, 1978 State Hwy 215, Blair, SC.  The family will receive friends at Nelson's Funeral Home on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.   Mrs. Wilson will be available for public viewing Friday, November 16, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

A VIRTUOUS WOMAN 

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Lugenia Griffin Wilson was born April 24, 1931, the sixth of nine children born to the late Pearl Coleman Griffin and June Griffin in Blair, SC. She was affectionately known as “Sis” to some, and “Gene” to others. She attended Fairfield High School and after school married Aaron Wilson. Together they raised a beautiful family for over 30 years until his death in 1980. 

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:11-12

They married in March, 1949 and to this union 11 children were born. After her dearly beloved husband Aaron’s death in January, 1980 she took the helm and continued to lead their family in the Christian faith that she and Aaron began. 

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  Proverbs 31:13-16

Lugenia was a thrifty and savvy woman. Her children would often marvel at how she could “stretch” her budget to meet the family needs. She was prudent in all her affairs and rose early each morning to get her children up for school and then head out to work before sunrise on most mornings. She was a great cook and caterer who enjoyed decorating for holidays. She began her career in the cafeteria at McCrorey-Liston School in 1966 where she retired as the Food Service Manager after more than forty years. During this time, she received additional training and certifications through Midlands Technical College, Johnson and Wales University, and the University of South Carolina. 

She served as President of the Weeping Mary Baptist Church Missionary Society and Blair Sympathy Club.  Through her work in these organizations and the faith community, she was a mentor to many. She showed love through her cooking and particularly enjoyed preparing people’s favorite dishes. Lugenia took pride in her gift of cooking, and was meticulous about every detail of preparing a meal, whether for 5 or 500. Her work ethic and love of cooking led to her highest recognition among her peers as Fairfield County Food Service Manager of the Year in 1995. She received numerous awards during her lifetime honoring her craft, and her character. Notably, the Missionary Award from the Gethsemane Association, the Woman of Grace Award from Grace Christian Ministry and the Woman of Faith Award from Northminister Presbyterian. After retirement she started Gene's Catering and worked throughout the Southeast offering her delicious pallette of dishes including her infamous peach cobbler, sweet potato pies and fruit cakes. Lugenia touched many lives through her work and service. Recently, the cafeteria at McCrorey Liston was named in her honor, recognizing her tremendous investment in the students, staff and administration of the school during her 40+ years. 

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. Proverbs 31:17 

Lugenia was a God-fearing woman who stood strong on her faith and her beliefs. She believed in discipline and order - which were among the many principles that guided her life. One of her favorite sayings was, “I believe things must be done decent and in order”. She was a strong woman who overcame many adversities in her lifetime. This included the loss of her husband and a fire four years later that destroyed their family home. Also, there were the untimely deaths of her son Stanley and granddaughter Kim.  She was the last of her siblings, losing her oldest sister, Leola, a year ago. Yet, because of her faith in God and her tenacious spirit she persevered. 

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:18-20

Lugenia served as Mother of the Church at Weeping Mary Baptist Church in Shelton, a Deaconess, President of the Missionary Society and a member of the Senior Choir.  She loved leading the annual Prayer Breakfast and “Count Your Blessings” programs. She was active in many civic and community events and through her missionary work she prepared Thanksgiving baskets for the elderly and needy. She was honored for community service by the Blair Sympathy Club where she served as President for many years until her death. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, and talked to her flowers as her daily companions. She also enjoyed traveling with her family (especially, to see her sister in DC), the Sympathy Club and joining the senior citizens’ trips. 

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Proverbs 31:21-25 

She was a consummate dresser and enjoyed going on shopping excursions with her daughters, nieces, club members and friends.  She was known for her love of hats and heels and insisted on wearing them right up until her death, despite the admonishment of her daughters and nieces.  Above all, she valued loyalty and honesty. She always encouraged her family, church and community to try to work together. She stressed the importance of integrity and believed in letting your “yea be yea and your nay be nay”. 

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:26-28 

Lugenia’s sage wisdom was valued by her children, nieces, nephews and throughout the community.  She lived life to the fullest and kept herself busy through service to others and many projects that provided her joy.  She played basketball and was an avid basketball fan, especially the Lady Gamecocks. She also loved Dabo Swinney and Clemson Football.  A highlight of her life was meeting Michelle Obama who covered her in compliments. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. She had many sayings or “Luisms” that will forever be cherished by those she leaves behind, and will now serve as a guiding light from our guardian angel. 

Her long and fruitful life enabled her to experience life with four generations from the roots of Aaron and Lugenia Wilson.  Her love of God and service to mankind is felt far and wide through the many young people she has encountered throughout her life. Her children, grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews were a source of joy to her and they cherished her wisdom and generosity.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31: 29-31

Lugenia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Aaron, her twin sons, Tony and Tommy, her son, Stanley and her granddaughter Kim; her brothers Cleve, Willie Moses, Herbert, John, Joe, George Clyde and sisters, Janie Bell and Leola.  

Her loving and adoring survivors include children; Steve (Teresa) of Columbia; daughter-in-law Deborah of Columbia; Larry of Shelton; Leslie of Columbia; Gloria (Dave) of Orangeburg; Gary (Patricia) of Jessup, Maryland; Dwayne (Tayna) of Greenbelt, Maryland; Greg  (Pamela) of Columbia, DeAlva “Dee-Dee” of Charlotte, NC; a nephew raised in the home, Kenny (Marilyn) of Jenkinsville, eighteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; and four great-nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Esther Lee “Eula” Wilson of Shelton, SC and Doris Wilson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a host of loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Our virtuous Mother made a great impact throughout the world, through the many lives she touched and young people she mentored.  She will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Well done thy good and faithful servant!