Irene Elizabeth Wilson

Irene, the second child of twelve children, was born February 24, 1935 in South Hill, VA., to the late Leigh Hunter and Zerah Bell Valentine Taylor. She received her early education from Mecklenburg County Schools. Irene accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, at an early age at Lombardy Grove Baptist Church in South Hill, VA. She was the first African American to sing on Radio Station WJWS in South Hill. At age 10, she was asked by the late Rev. Skipwith to come on stage and sing at the then Baptist Allied Bodies Convention closing program at Virginia State College. Irene relocated to Richmond where she matriculated at Virginia State University, later attended Virginia Union University, receiving a Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education, and attended Virginia Commonwealth University, receiving a Master of Arts in Exceptional Education. Irene married the late Rev. Lawrence C. Manning, Sr. while at VUU where they both studied at the Theological Seminary. They became the proud parents of a son, Lawrence C. Manning, Jr. she later united in marriage to the late Frank Wilson and was blessed with two daughters, Rena Yvette and Leandra Francine. Irene retired from Richmond Public Schools after 30 years of service. She was a devoted member of Fourth Baptist Church for over 50 years, uplifting and inspiring many. Irene was active in many roles while at Fourth Baptist Church, which include Music Ministry, Vacation Bible School, After School Program, Youth Advisory Council, Children’s New Member’s Class, Sunday School, Christian Education, CARITAS and Pastor’s Search Committee. In 1995 she received the City of Richmond’s Proclamation presented by the past Mayor, the late Rev. Dr.Leonidas Young. February 25, 1995 was declared “Irene T. Wilson Day.” Irene’s love for family and fellowship, gave her the vision to start the first Taylor Family Reunion in 1973 and this has remained an annual event even today. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother Carrie B. Taylor; three brothers, Beverly, David and William; one beloved sister, Jeanette Richardson. She leaves to cherish her legacy one beloved son, Lawrence; two daughters, Rena Wilson-Spence and Leandra Wilson; five grandsons, Jordan, JaMichael, Antwione,Japheth and Jamari; one great grandson,Jaiden;three sisters, Martha T. Rollins, Freda T. Lawrence(Raymond)and Queen Harris; four brothers, S.Lewis,CalvinSr.(Leona)James A.,and Samuel Taylor; one aunt, Lucille T. Hudson; one son-in-law,Antwione L. Green; two sisters-in-law, Frankie Taylor and one devoted, Frances M. Taylor; four godchildren, Joel Glass,Shephen Taylor,Ra`Neiqua Broadnax, and Darrick Tabb; a host of nieces and nephews, one devoted, Calvin L. Taylor,Jr. Devoted friends, Helen Armstead, Rebecca Mason, and the wonderful Rev. Wilda Carr Jones; and a host of cousins extended family and friends.

Tributes

Irene Elizabeth Wilson

February 24, 1935 - May 5, 2016