Mrs. Nan Wise was born Leonia "Nan" Jackson on May 3, 1915 in Kellyton, Alabama in Coosa County as the only child to Margaret Jackson who passed on when she was one and a half years old. She was raised by her grandmother,Liza Jackson, and aunt, Cora Jackson Leonard, in Alexander City, Alabama.
Nan started school at the age of five and was skipped a grade
due to her advanced educational acumen. After being promoted
to the sixth grade, but not continuing her formal education, her
wisdom and 100-plus years of being "Wise" continued to progress
ahead of her years.
At the age of twelve, Nan joined Bethel Baptist Church (Alexander
City, Alabama) under the pastoral care of Reverend
M. Nunn. While under his leadership, she expressed an interest
in learning how to play the piano. Reverend Nunn obliged by
paying for her piano lessons for one year. She completed the
first grade in music, beginning her love for and career in the
ministry of music.
At age fourteen, Nan began playing the piano for Bethel Baptist
Church Sunday school, continuing her musical roots and
expanding her ministry of music over 4'1 years. In addition to
Bethel Baptist Church, she played the piano and organ for various
churches and organizations including: Early Rose District
BTU Sunday School Convention and Association (Tallapoosa
County, Alabama), Morning Star BTU Sunday School Convention
and Association (Coosa County, Alabama), and numerous
other churches throughout both county districts.
Mrs. Wise retired from music in 1977, receiving - under the
new pastoral leadership of Reverend E.B. Burpo, Jr. - Great
Bethel (formerly Bethel) Baptist Church's service award for
faithful service in the ministry of music from 1930-1976. She
faithfully continued her membership at Great Bethel Baptist
Church (Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware, Jr., Pastor) throughout her
remaining 101 years and-22 days oflife.
Nan married the late Roosevelt Wise of Alexander City, Alabama
on November 29,1951, becoming the stepmother of Lucille
Wise Blair of Cincinnati, Ohio.
She is the mother of two sons, the late Cleo Jackson of Alexander
City, Alabama and Garland Wise (Frankie.Wise) of Tuskegee,
Alabama. She shared motherhood with the late Cora "Shug"
Lee of Alexander City, Alabama, for James Ralph Cameron
of Birmingham, Alabama, born to her cousin, the late Naomi
Cameron of Alexander City, Alabama.
Mrs. Wise is the proud grandmother of Lucille Blair's children:
Eugene Blair (Dawn Blair) and Nancy Blair; James Ralph
Cameron's daughter: Chaundra Cameron; and Frankie and
Garland Wise's children: Monica Rene Wise, Michele Rhonda
Wright (Terry WrighQ, Michael Roosevelt Wise, Marcos
Reginal Wise, and Marshalette Rolanda Wise. She is also a
great grandmother and a great-great-grandmother.
Beginning at age 13 and continuing throughout her entire life,
she worked for countless churches, homes, and organizations
including: St. James' Episcopal Church (The Rev. Reb St.
Germain-Iler, Rector) in Alexander City, Alabama where they
officially named their nursery "Nan's Place" in honor of Mrs.
Wise's many decades of dedicated employment and service.
Mrs. Nan had a very special place in her heart for all the children
who blessed her life including Anne Watwood, her adopted
granddaughter and the daughter of Mrs. Nancy Watwood and
the late Dr. John Watwood. She was caregiver to Anne for
over 30 years. She enjoyed every moment and appreciated and
valued each of her employers - too numerous to name.
Mrs. Nan Wise celebrated her l0lst Birthday on Tuesday, May
3, 2016, with her family and friends. She peacefully transitioned
on Wednesday, May 25,2016, with an abundance of love that
she so unselfishly shared over a century of life.
The evening before she transitioned, she blessed her son,
Garland Wise, and those around her by joining her adopted son,
James Ralph Cameron, in singing her favorite song, "Precious
Lord, Take My Hand".