Beth Wilson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Beth Joan Wilson, 89, of Crossville, TN went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 17, 2023. Beth was born May 21, 1934, in Rockford, IL to the late Guy H. Schoonmaker & Ruby M. (Nelson) Schoonmaker and had lived in Crossville for the last 3 ½ years, moving there from Decorah, IA.

Beth met her husband-to-be in 1950 while working as a waitress at Bishop’s Buffet in Rockford. She was united in marriage to William “Bill” Lee Wilson on February 10, 1951, in Rockford where they raised their 4 children. They were married 53 years when Bill passed away in July 2004.

During their time in Rockford, they attended First Assembly of God and Rock Churches before moving to Joplin, MO in 1991 after Bill’s retirement in 1987 where they attended Calvary Church of the Nazarene. After Bill’s passing, Beth moved to Decorah, IA in 2006 to be closer to her daughter, Mary Beth. Beth accepted Christ as a young woman and her faith remained steadfast throughout her life. She was involved in child evangelism and her work for the Lord continued w/ her husband Bill by doing missions work w/ the Indian Tribes in Mobridge, SD, including locations in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon.

Throughout her life, Beth pursued and enjoyed various hobbies and activities which included volunteer work at Rockford Memorial Hospital, doing ceramics w/ Bill and becoming a certified teacher of ceramics, shopping antique malls for various glassware, avid gardening which resulted in beautiful flower beds and house plants (especially African violets and Christmas cactuses), collecting coins and stamps, and being a member of a doll club in Joplin. Beth had a keen eye for selecting only the most pristine antique postcards and cherished her scrapbook of greeting cards between her and Bill.

Despite managing migraines and narcolepsy, Beth remained a loving wife & mother and devoted woman of faith. She had a knack for doing little things “just because” as an extension of her love. Those who knew her best, know of the childlike joy she exhibited throughout her life. Even though she experienced dementia, she still cherished visits from loved ones, receiving cards in the mail, being sung to, and having scripture read to her.

Beth will be cherished & missed by all.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Nelson (Mark) of Crossville, TN; daughters-in-law Charlene Wilson of Lake Mary, FL and Marianne Wilson of Rockford, IL; sister-in-law, Mary Sharon McDowell of Haines, FL; 6 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, nieces, & nephews.

Other than her parents and husband, Beth is preceded in death by her children: Martin L. Wilson, Adam L. Wilson, & Eraina A. Wilson; her siblings Donna Keely and Victor Schoonmaker.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Osborne Memorial Park Cemetery, both in Joplin, Missouri.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.