In Memory

Jan Alice Wilson

Jan Alice Wilson

Born: 1951

Died:  7 July, 2022

LELAND — Jan Alice Wilson, 71, passed away peacefully in her Leland home on Thursday, July 7, 2022, but she wouldn’t want any tears shed. Jan wasn’t rich or famous so most would consider her ordinary, but she lived an eventful life on her terms.

Norwood and Marlene Wilson’s first child was an absolute blessing. Then Jan’s siblings came along.
While Rodney Wilson (Germantown) ran around the house torturing her with a BB gun, Angie Bates (Linwood) wasn’t afraid to throw her fists at anyone coming at Jan. The youngest, Beverly Hoots (Clemmons), will tell you she tried to keep Jan out of trouble, but that’s just because nobody can remember her wild years.

A wannabe hippie growing up in Winston-Salem, Jan was along for the ride with a truck bed full of stolen marijuana (allegedly), dated the grandson of North Carolina tobacco royalty (who wore a cape), and partied with people dumb enough to ask to shoot an apple off her head (she declined).

However, her successful career with Western Electric and eventual retirement with AT&T demonstrated the dichotomy that made her special. One day she would read three novels (all of which were donated to the Leland and Wilmington public libraries), while the next, she would scream at the Dallas Cowboys to “kill” their opponent between sips of margarita. Despite her college degree and quick wit, she also once pulled up to a drive-thru for a “hamburger with ketchup,” and was surprised when Pizza Hut informed her that they only had tomato sauce.

Jan loved deeply, but that wasn’t solely limited to family and friends. She cried when Prince died; she would yell if you interrupted her during Judge Judy; and she probably requested a Kermit’s hotdog when she got to heaven.

Above all though, she had a real soft spot for helping people and animals – making her the favorite of Girl Scouts going door-to-door and stray animals alike. She would often buy clothes without trying them on, and quickly donate them to places helping those less fortunate when they didn’t fit. Animals were also held in high regard, as Jan and her grandchildren once rescued an octopus and delivered it to the Fort Fisher aquarium. A few years later, two injured baby pelicans showed up on her balcony, and she couldn’t turn them away, so she tried to nurse them to health in her bathtub while she waited for animal control. Even in her final weeks, she was determined to adopt a puppy – a search that will continue in her memory.

In retirement, Jan enjoyed watching the waves hit the coast with her long-time partner, Keith Crumpler, and her beloved cat – aptly named Miss Kitty. Of course, she was typically more interested in who was getting arrested that weekend on the north end of Carolina Beach.

As Jan neared the end of her life, she was not afraid. She didn’t have regrets. She was comfortable with the life she lived, but her gift of time ran short. Some might call her ordinary, but to those that knew her best, she was anything but. Jan’s strong-willed demeanor, infectious laugh and loving heart made a lasting impact on the many lives she touched.

Her daughter, Jennifer Reed (Wilmington), and son, Drew Wilson (Dallas, TX), will celebrate Jan’s life on Saturday, Sept. 10, along with her three (less fun) siblings and 5 grandchildren who she loved so much – Connor Reed, Sara Reed, Rachel Reed, Chase Reed and Luke Wilson. The rest of Jan’s family and friends will join them to remember just how lucky they were to know her.



 
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03/06/24 05:12 PM #1    

William A Long, Jr (Class Of '70)

I knew Jan when she and her best friend, Vickie Sullivan started riding my bus, between Glenn Jr. High and East Forsyth. These two were always laughing, telling jokes and figuring out ways to continue to torment Jerry Sells, who loved to tease them and play pranks on them. Jan was a very sweet young lady, had an infectious smile always, and would be first to do something for someone in need. It was a true joy to know her and best friend Vickie, share a small time in life and always wonder after school what become of her. Rest in peace Jan, thanks for memories, fly high with the fellow Eagles now!! 


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