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Leona Fannie Thomas Wilson, affectionately known as “Lil Sister,” was born Oct. 1, 1935 in Wilmer, to the late Hosie “Boss” Thomas and Jessie Lee (Dyson) Thomas, and ascended home to glory on May 3, 2022.

Sister Leona joined Silver Creek Church at a young age. The church was later renamed Union Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was baptized and committed her life to Christ at an early age. She served faithfully on the Senior Usher Board and Women Missionary Society, assisted the Young Peoples Department (YPD), taught Sunday School, and organized/led the Junior Usher Board until her health began to decline.

Sister Leona leaves to cherish her loving memories: her husband of 63 years, Daniel Wilson of Franklinton; her four children: Kenneth E. (Maria) Wilson Sr., of San Diego, Calif., Shari K. (Jerry) Burnette of New Orleans, Alease M. Wilson and Jermaine A. (Tonia) Wilson, both of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Kenneth E. Wilson Jr., Ashley N. (Randall) Edwards, Chauntel A. Wilson and Jakob J.C. Wilson; three step-grandchildren, Paco Fowler, Michael Burnette and Fred W. Rueger; one great-granddaughter on the way, Naomi G. Edwards, and one step great-granddaughter, Eris Edwards; two very special caretakers, Georgia M. Warren and Amy Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hosie (Boss) Thomas and Jessie Lee (Dyson) Thomas; brother, Doris Thomas; sister, Wilkie L. Warren; and one granddaughter, Jardan A. Wilson.

A drive through viewing will be Friday, May 13, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton.

The funeral service will be Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m. at Union Chapel A.M.E. Church with the Rev. Gary Porter, pastor, and the Rev. Sherman Berry, eulogist. Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.