MOUNT VERNON – Lorraine Adams Wilson of Mount Vernon passed away Dec. 13, 2022 in her residence of 58 years at the age of 90 following extended health issues. She was the daughter of Aragia (Ada) Whited Adams and John Adams, and a lifelong resident of Knox County, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Clyde E. Wilson, sons John Wilson and wife, Carlene, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Ed Wilson and Mark Wilson, (Mary Beth Fischer) of Mount Vernon, and daughter Renda Wilson, and husband Mark Repp, of Minot, North Dakota. She was the beloved grandmother of Taylor Wilson O’Neil and Connor Wilson, three step grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Lorraine was born in Ankenytown, Ohio and spent her early years on the farm, adjacent to Knox Lake. She attended Fredericktown High School, engaged as a cheerleader and a member of the marching band. For years her love of music was shared by playing piano for youth and adult services at the Owl Creek Church of the Brethren.
Following her marriage, Lorraine moved to Mount Vernon to begin her family. Beyond being a wife and mother, over years she held a variety of positions, and retired after 25 years of service with the Mount Vernon School System as head cook. Lorraine served at the middle school and Mount Vernon High School. She knew and was fondly known by generations of students.
Her love of music influenced all four children to be members of the Mount Vernon marching and concert bands. Ed and Renda also participated as members of the prestigious “Mellow Jackets” dance band. Lorraine served and held all officer positions as a Band Booster over the 16 years of her children’s high school years. If you attended a home football game of that time, and purchased refreshments from the Band Boosters concession, most likely you were served by Lorraine. She would briefly depart for the press box, where she had a dedicated seat, in order to watch the half time marching band show with pride for her children. The Band Boosters participated in various festival and holiday events held on the square, and Lorraine personally prepared and was renowned for her shredded chicken sandwiches and egg noodles enjoyed by many over those years. In support of John, she was the secretary of the Babe Ruth baseball Boosters and charged with soliciting donations for the first field lights at Memorial Park enabling night baseball. She never missed a game.
While busy supporting the activities of her children, she was also dedicated to her husband. Clyde worked long hours at PPG, and worked ancillary jobs for Sears, along with building their family home and a rental property. Lorraine was a devoted work partner with Clyde, often assisting with installation of Sears chain link fences, appliance installations or ordering construction materials for their new home. Even while expecting their last child, she was seen on the roof of the family home under construction, slinging a hammer installing shingles.
During recent years, Lorraine endured debilitating health issues, but demonstrated fortitude and courage. She was attended to by her husband, who spent hours by her side reminiscing, providing comfort. Health care issues and continuous daily care was provided by son Ed. Daughter Renda, was Lorraine’s shining star and partner in that special bond between a mother and daughter. Renda frequently travelled to Mount Vernon from wherever she was living to share her life journey in support of their special relationship. In addition, both Lorraine and Clyde followed and supported John as he developed his business career. Their counsel was instrumental in his professional and personal aspirations cementing the closeness between parents and their first born.
The message Lorraine consistently conveyed to family and friends was the value she lived of unconditional love. She will be missed.
The family requests that if you knew or interacted with Lorraine, you enjoy fond memories and express benevolence to all.
Submitted by John Wilson.
