Mary Ellen Porter Wilson
Mary Ellen Porter Wilson went to be with her Savior on Thursday December 12, 2024, passing away peacefully at her home with family by her side. She was 95 years old.
Mary Ellen was born April 2, 1929, in Cochran, Georgia to the late Julius Redding “Jule” Porter and Mae Helms Porter. She was the youngest of seven children who grew up together on their thriving family peach farm in Bleckley County.
She attended Cochran public schools, Middle Georgia College, and the University of Georgia where she was also a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She graduated UGA with honors in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She came to Monticello to teach at Monticello High School and soon met her husband, Chick Wilson. They were wed on September 23, 1951, and were married for 69 years until Chick’s passing in November 2020. They had many adventures together as they raised five children, ran a dairy farm, started an independent insurance agency, and then in 1964 together became licensed real estate brokers and launched their own real estate agency, J.S. Wilson Company. They continued to operate the family farm that has been in the Wilson family for well over 100 years.
Mary Ellen was known for her ever present warm smile, and she never met a stranger. She was a devoted mother and her family was her first priority. She was also a hard-working business partner and sincerely loved knowing and serving the people of Monticello and Jasper County. She loved Christ and was an active member of Monticello Baptist Church, the Adult V Sunday School class, and her WMU circle. She was also a longtime member of the Monticello Garden Club.
Mary Ellen and Chick were proud UGA alumni and avid Georgia Bulldog fans who enjoyed attending every home game in Athens for more than 60 years.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband James Smith “Chick” Wilson, Jr. and her beloved son James Smith “Jim” Wilson, III; her parents “Jule” and Mae Porter; and sisters and brothers, Julius (Bess) Porter, Ralph (Janet) Porter, Virginia (Stan) Quillen, Christine (Willis) Porter, and Marion (Anne) Porter.
She is survived by her children Beth Wilson of Raleigh, NC, Julie (John) McLeod of Athens, GA, Connie (Mike) Friedline of Athens, GA, Carl Porter Wilson of Monticello, GA, and daughter-in-law Missy Wilson (John) Braden of Covington, GA. She adored her nine grandchildren, and her first great-grandchild is expected in April. The grandchildren are Emma (Charlie) Key, Porter McLeod, Mary Leah (Philip) Cherny, Maggie Friedline, Nicole (Samir) Hanna, Trevor James Wilson, Camille (Brandon) Thornton, Alyssa Wilson, and Elizabeth Wilson. She has many nieces and nephews and cousins whom she loved and to whom she remained connected.
Our family is deeply grateful to Tomasia Ammons, Elaine Jackson, Joann Kelly, Faye Smith, and Mary Boykin who gave their care and compassion so freely and loved her so well. They are truly like family to us.We are also thankful for nurse, Pam Heminger and the staff of Abbey Hospice for their faithful care and support.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 1:00 P.M., at Monticello Baptist Church. Rev. David Artessa will officiate. Interment service will follow at Westview Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Trevor Wilson, Porter McLeod, Maurice Jackson, Gary Scroggs, Dwight Voyles, Buddy Cain, and Tony Wild. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult V Sunday School Class.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home, 264 Hillsboro Street, Monticello.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in memory of Mary Ellen be made to Monticello Baptist Church Building Fund, 334 West Greene Street, Monticello, Georgia 31064 or Abbey Hospice, 215 Azalea Court, Social Circle, Georgia 30025.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit our website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.