Obituary of Johnny Leroy Wilson

Elder Johnny L. Wilson, Sr. Johnny Leroy Wilson was born to the parentage of Ernest R. Wilson and Viola Boddie Wilson on March 23, 1945 in Sherman, Texas. He was educated in the Sherman Public School system, and was a dynamic football player. He was the seventh of eight children who were raised in the love of Christ at St. John C.M.E. Church. He was later ordained as a minister there. He graduated from Texas College, served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War, and later attended Phillips School of Theology. He continued his coursework at East Texas State University. Johnny Wilson was active in the Ministerial Alliances as well as many other community organizations. He has always been a great promoter of youth and young adult participation in church functions and activities. Although, he loved the Lord and served many churches as a man of integrity, his favorite hobby was fishing! Elder Johnny Wilson’s work as a pastor and presiding elder includes the following: St. Paul CME in Midland, TX (1971-1972): Carter Chapel CME in Odessa, TX (1972-1979): Hopewell Temple CME in Texarkana, TX (1979-1983): Christian Chapel CME in Dallas, TX (1983-1987): St. John CME in Sherman, TX (1987-1991): Phillips Temple CME in Phenix City, AL 1991-1995): Presiding Elder of the Phenix City, Opelika, Mobile District, Southeast Alabama Conference (1995-1999): Carter Temple CME in Galveston, TX 1999-2000): Mount Zion CME in Center, TX 2000-2011): Presiding Elder of the Beaumont-Nacogdoches District of the Southeast Texas Region: (2000-2011). He then retired due to health issues. Rev. Johnny Wilson and Zeala Heggins Wilson declared their commitments and vows on July 13, 1972. This union produced three children; Johnny L. Wilson, Jr., Tamanikia LaToshia Wilson Hollins “Tammy” (Derwin), and James Last’on Wilson (Hayley). He also leaves to mourn his passing; a sister, Rosia Whitfield (Baton Rouge, LA) and a brother Ernest R. Wilson, Jr. (Sherman, TX) as well as two grandchildren who loved, adored, and honored their PawPaw, Zaria Hollins and Izaiah Hollins. In addition he leaves a host of relatives and friends. Those who preceded him, and are waiting to greet him in Glory consist of his parents: Ernest Wilson and Viola Wilson, four sisters: Pauline Wilson, Ernestine Emery, Frances McKinney, Georgia Davis, and a brother James “TEX” Wilson.