Dorothy Jean Wilson

Dorothy Jean Wilson, age 81, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025.

Born on April 21, 1944 in Augusta, Georgia, to Cecil R. Odom and Dorothy Marian Cowell. Dorothy lived a life filled with love, service, and creativity. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Ronald Wilson; her sisters, Marjorie Martin of Las Vegas, NV, and Cecilia Roles of Tomball, TX; and her brother, Waymon New of Hawthorne, FL.

She is survived by her brother, John New of Augusta, GA; her sons, Donald Wilson (Jennifer) of Jacksonville, FL, Darrell Wilson of Tavernier, FL, and Timothy Wilson of Jacksonville, FL; and her daughter-in-law, Cheryl McKnight of Jacksonville, FL.

Dorothy was a proud grandmother to Chad Wilson (Kristine) of Green Cove Springs, FL, Steven Wilson of Tampa, FL, Thomas McKnight (Hamida) of Jacksonville, FL, and Brayden Wilson of Jacksonville, FL. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Kaylie, Caden, Campbell, Cobi, and Kyla Jean.

She is also remembered with deep affection by her lifelong friend of 71 years and chosen sister, Mary Jo McNeely of Augusta, GA, along with Mary Jo’s children: Chuck, Keith, Allen, and Johnny Lowe.

She will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews in multiple states.

Dorothy began her professional life as a kindergarten teacher at Blackwell’s Kindergarten and served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher in Martinez, GA. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she volunteered as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, supporting her sons and their peers.

Her talents extended to crafting, floral design, and bridal work. She coordinated weddings, created beautiful arrangements, and worked as a seamstress at Boone Fabrics in Orange Park, FL. Together with her husband, she co-founded Dot’s Crafts, creating handcrafted wooden pieces that brought joy to many.

Above all, Dorothy was devoted to her faith. A member of Doctors Inlet Church of God for over 25 years, she served her church family with humility and love. She will be remembered for her gracious spirit, her kindness to strangers, her compassion for the sick and needy, and her quiet strength and forgiveness.

Dorothy’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family will receive friends from 10:00am to 11:00am on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am with Dr. Tim McDaniel officiating and burial will follow at Peoria Cemetery.