Lola Irene Wilson

Lola Irene Wilson, age 88, died Monday, April 28, 2024. Mrs. Wilson was born on February 3rd, 1937, in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of the late Otto Marion Donley and Ruth (Althouse) Donley, and sister to Robert (Florence) Donley. Following graduation in 1954 from Charlotte High School, she entered Western Michigan College (now University) where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate in 1958. In the fall of 1958, she began her career teaching first grade at the old elementary school in Springfield, Michigan, a suburb of Battle Creek.

In 1960, she married Jim Wilson and returned to Charlotte where they established their home. When their first child was born in 1963, Mrs. Wilson became a “stay-at-home mom” where she remained for twelve years. During that time, she became a volunteer for church, Nursery School, Camp Fire, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Parkview School, and supported Jim in his work with the Lions Club, all while caring for their two children.

In 1975, Mrs. Wilson was excited to be hired by Charlotte Public Schools as a first grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School where her children had attended. Her return to the classroom also meant her return to school to work on an advanced degree. Lola retired from teaching in 1999 after twenty-nine years in first grade.

Upon retirement, she returned to volunteering. She enjoyed working with the First Congregational Church, Parkview School, Delta Kappa Gamma, GFWC-Charlotte, receiving the “Woman of Achievement” honor in 2012, and the Charlotte Alumni Association where she served as Historian. She enjoyed reading, gardening, stage plays and performances, family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wilson is survived by her husband, James Wilson; children, Pamela (Lawrence) Lindemer of Rockford, MI, and Patrick Wilson of Cherry Valley, IL; two “above average” grandchildren, Hayley (Jacob) Walker and Jacob (Kaitlin) Lindemer; three “precious” great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert (Florence) Donley, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church, 106 Bostwick Street, Charlotte, Michigan. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at church. 

If desired, Mrs. Wilson requested memorial contributions be made to the Charlotte Community Library or the First Congregational Church UCC.