Vivacious. Full of life. Compassionate. Loving. Life of the Party. A giver, never a taker. All these adjectives and more describe the Granny me and many others were fortunate to have experienced during her earthly life.  

When I think about my Grandmother (Granny), I immediately am taken back to a myriad of memories – funny, happy, unique, some sad, but all special. She was an extraordinary woman who exuded sincere love and compassion for all. She had a very special way of making everyone feel this love and acceptance. She never met a stranger, welcomed everyone into her home, and always had a smile on her face.

When she walked into a room, she became the center of attention and if she wasn’t, she made sure she was. She touched so many hearts in her 94 years on earth, and there is no doubt she is rejoicing and doing a happy dance now in Heaven. Long awaited, Granny is reunited with her sweetheart, her husband (our Papa), her beloved son, Jacob (Jakie), and countless others who have gone before her and have been waiting to welcome her home.

My memories of my Granny span my lifetime. It’s difficult to share all but a few that stand.

While still living in Canada, I used to spend many summers with Granny or Wilson Granny, our special name I called her when I was younger. My very first plane ride at age 4 or 5 was with Wilson Granny.  As we approached the entrance to the board the plane, I remember looking up at her—hand in hers—saying, “Wilson Granny, I think I’ll just stay here.” In her Wilson Granny way, she whispered to me, “Oh no, sweetheart, we’re getting on that plane, it will be ok.” And just like that, I knew I was safe and everything would be ok. We were headed from Ottawa, Canada, my home, back to North Carolina for my summer-long visit.

My parents and I moved to North Carolina when I was about nine years old. My mom was born and raised in NC and had been living in Canada after my parents married. I was born in Canada and have maintained dual citizenship.

Until the age of nine, I had long, straight hair. Looking at me now, you’d never believe it. At the time of our move to NC, my parents sent me ahead because they had to get things settled back in Ottawa before they could officially make the move down South.  

I started my first year of third grade without my parents, but by my side was Wilson Granny. Remember, I had straight hair. I asked my Wilson Granny for a home permanent. I vividly remember sitting on a chair in her kitchen as she gave me my first home permanent. I loved my curls and was ready to start my first year as a third grader. As time went by, my perm didn’t fade; in fact, my curls got curlier. Unknown at the time, my hair was transitioning to curly. In Wilson Granny’s very own words, it was the best “darn perm” she ever gave anyone. We know now it wasn’t the perm, it was my actual hair, but, I’ll always give credit to that first “darn” perm as long as I live. I was destined to have a head full of curls; my entire family on my mom’s side is known for their big, thick hair.

I took many trips to town with Granny Wilson in the old Monty Carlo. We would visit best friends, take trips to M&K, Cooksville Grill and the hair dresser. I remember one particular visit to the local mall. We grabbed a bite to eat in the food court to discover there was no table available. In Wilson Granny fashion, she asked a complete stranger if we could sit with her, and by the time we finished our food, they were best friends. I remember thinking how that was even possible and the brevity she had to just sit down with a stranger. That was Granny. She never met a stranger.

I recall many trips up the mountain in the big hay truck to make a delivery drop. I sat in the middle of Papa and Granny on that sticky, leather seat. It was always so hot it seemed, but I was right there with them the whole time. I remember trips to the flea market, local food dives. I mentioned Cooksville Grill, a staple restaurant in town that everyone went to for a good meal. Walking through the doors was like a reunion. Granny knew everyone and everyone knew Granny.

Granny used to substitute teach, even when I was still attending Fred T. Foard High School. She was everyone’s favorite sub and even to this day, friends remember her for her as their favorite sub. One time I asked Granny for a snack. She always carried snacks and “extras” in her purse as any grandmother or mom would. This particular time, she pulled out a banana, but much to my surprise (and hers), intertwined with the banana was a pair of her bloomers. I learned a life lesson that day. Never leave home without a snack and an extra pair of undergarments. We laughed about this a lot.

Granny was a wonderful cook. I can still taste and smell her chicken casseroles, liver mush, breakfasts with biscuits and gravy and so much more. She’d tell you she cooked three full meals a day when her own kids were young. I also remember eating lots of beanie weenies and Vienna sausages out of a can. I grew to love these even when most would turn their nose up at them. She always kept sweet tea and my favorite, Cheerwine.

I could go on and on about Granny or Wilson Granny. She was one amazing person. All in all, she was a woman of honor, dedication and someone who loved her family so much. She lived for her family and extended family and friends.

I know I will miss hearing her voice and “Call me when you get home,” or “Bye, love you!” Wilson Granny, thank you for blessing us with your love and life. I’m so glad you were able to get to know my own son, Beckham, now 3. He loved Granny. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.

Dallas