John Elbert Wilson Sr.

John Elbert Wilson, Sr., age 88, was born on Wednesday, January 11, 1933, to John Hurlock Wilson and Margaret Jackson Wilson. To his family and friends, he was lovingly known as “Sunny”. On Sunday, May 16, 2021, John departed this life to be with the Lord. He was raised in the home along with two loving sisters, Geraldine and May Anna. John began his education at Coleman Elementary School, and then continued at Henry Highland Garnett High School in Chestertown, Maryland, where he excelled in music under the tutelage of Mr. Roy F. Knight. John graduated from Garnett, with the first class to complete twelve years, in 1951. Upon graduating, he was offered a full scholarship to Maryland State College in Princess Anne, Maryland (now University of Maryland Eastern Shore - UMES). In exchange for his education, John was asked to sing in the college choir for the four years he was there, from 1951 to 1955. He also pledged the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., while in college. After his formal education, John married the love of his life, Miss Grace Cole, of Still-Pond, Maryland, on May 10, 1956. Together they had and raised three handsome sons and one lovely daughter. During part of this time, he worked in construction in the Delaware area for Local 199. From 1956 to 1958, John served two years in the Army, and continued his musical experience when he accompanied a five piece musical ensemble. He achieved the rank of Specialist 3rd Class (Technical) Headquarters and Service company 370th Armored Infantry Battalion. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, while serving overseas in Munich Germany as a Radio Operator, and later was honorably discharged from the Army. John began his career of teaching music in Hurlock, Maryland, in Dorchester County, in 1960. While serving this student population, John created a full band and choir that was recognized for their excellence. From 1967 to 1969, he taught music at Cambridge High School in Cambridge, Maryland. By 1970, John and his family had returned to Kent County where he taught at, the now integrated, Chestertown High School. Soon afterward, Kent County High School was built and John was assigned as the new music teacher. There he was able to inspire and train many singers and musicians with his gentle, yet steady and firm influence. Meanwhile, on the home front, John founded the Coleman Gospel Singers and the Still Pond/ Coleman Charge Mass Choir. These groups blossomed under his leadership. The Mass Choir is still in existence this day and is now under the leadership of Mrs. Linda Wesley, who accompanied John on the piano while he conducted. Later, he organized the Men of Union and the Sanctuary Choir of Union United Methodist Church, where he has been a lifetime member and Lay Leader for many years. He also led a Bible study for the Men of Coleman A tragic, severe, hearing loss began to affect John's ability to teach music. After transferring to Chestertown Middle School, John worked in a newly formed program named Child Find. This job offered him the opportunity to work with students and parents. After a few years, John decided it was time to retire from the field of education. Despite his musical setback, John's spirit remained high and his influence widespread. Amazingly, though it was difficult, John was able to keep all the music he had ever learned in his long-term memory. He had "Perfect Pitch". As his former students and colleagues remember him, they have nothing but great things to say about his devotion to his profession and his outstanding traits as a Christian man. Along with his parents, John and Margaret Wilson, John was preceded in death by his son, Reginald Lee Wilson, Sr. and his sister, Geraldine Fenwick. John is survived by many and leaves to cherish beautiful, loving memories, his loving wife of 65 years, Grace Wilson; two sons, John and his wife, Yolanda and Melvin and his wife, Sheila; one daughter, Elaine; seven grandchildren, Melvin, Jr., Melody, Reginald, Jr., Lisa, Jasmine, Emmanuel and Julianna; seven great-grandchildren, Justice, Messiah, Aliyah , Rymir, Logan, Micah and Isis; one sister, May Anna Phillips; one aunt, Florine Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances. Husband, father, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor and acquaintance - John was loved by all and will be truly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

John Elbert Wilson Sr.

January 11, 1933 - May 16, 2021