But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:          1 Peter 2:9 KJV 

After almost ninety-nine years on earth, you can imagine the length of her story.  A glimpse into the life of Queen Annie Laura Wilson, matriarch of the Arthur Wilson, Sr. family.  Annie Laura Adams was born December 19, 1925, the oldest daughter of the late Rev. Chester Arthur Adams and Annie Ryan Adams of Greenville, South Carolina.  The family, along with older brother Roderick T. Adams and younger sister Willie Lee Adams relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where their father was installed as the pastor of Fire Baptized Holiness Church.  Under the spiritual guidance of her father, Annie Laura accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Upon completing her education in the Charlotte, NC public school system, Annie Laura became a hairdresser.  It was while she was working on a customer’s hair, that a handsome man passing by glanced through the window and saw her.  He nudged his friend and told him, “That’s the woman I want to marry.”  That man was Arthur R. Wilson, and on June 17, 1944, the two were joined in Holy Matrimony.  To that union were born eight children: Arthur Jr., Samuel, Cheryl, Sharon, Evelyn, Kenneth, Pamela, and Carolyn.  Arthur and Annie relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1951, and were married for forty-two years until July 12, 1986, when Deacon Arthur Wilson went home to be with the Lord.  

For many years, Mother Annie Laura served faithfully in various capacities in Glenville Church of God Holiness USA, and later served as a member of Pilgrim Church of Christ, of the Apostolic Faith for almost fifty years.  Mother Annie worked in the missionary department, gospel choir, nurses’ guild, pastor’s aid, and various other ministries for many years until she could no longer serve.   

Annie Laura was well known in the Collinwood community and in the church communities as one of the best cooks, with her mouth-watering, delicious, delectable foods and baked goods.  We already miss her macaroni and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, candied yams, homemade rolls and so much more.  Everything she did was done with love and care. The way she cooked would make you believe that all she had time to do was cook.  No, this phenomenal queen worked as nurses’ aid for several years and worked as the front desk receptionist for East Cleveland City Hall until she was eighty-three years old, all while managing a household and assisting any of her children who needed her, both near and far.  She worked so tirelessly that some of her children decided that if she didn’t quit the job, they might start a rumor to get her fired.  Nevertheless, they trusted her to make the right decision. She eventually retired, but never stopped helping wherever she could, even in the nursing home where she was a resident.   

All who knew Annie Laura knew that she loved God, her husband, and her children dearly. God blessed her with more family to love. It was the birth of Ryan Adams that launched her grandmother journey, and Jamarr Talbert, Jr. who launched her great-grandmother journey, of which she cherished.  

Annie Laura never sought after accolades, recognition, or fame. Her life and legacy were predicated on living for God, loving mankind and serving her community. As a dedicated Godly woman, she served diligently and loved unconditionally.   

Queen Mother Annie Laura Adams Wilson was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. C A Adams and Annie R Adams, husband Arthur R Wilson, Sr., five children: Arthur Jr., Samuel, Sharon, Kenneth, and Carolyn, and one grandson, Samuel “Deuce” Wilson, brother, Roderick T Adams, and sister, Willie Lee Adams Lipscomb.   

She leaves to continue her legacy: children, Cheryl Maria Wilson, Evelyn French, (Kenneth), Pamela Westbrook, (Lloyd); Daughters in-law; Mary Ann Wilson, and Charmain Wilson; Grandchildren, Ryan Adams, Jeremy Adams, Timothy Adams, (Jovan), Lachersahlyn Rodgers, (Rory), Jason Wilson, Jamarr Talbert Sr., Ashley Westbrook Baker, Brianne Bryant (Jon), Amber Westbrook, Marlon Wilson, Arielle Westbrook Wright, Kiley Wilson, and Arthur Westbrook, (Jordana);  (24) Great-grandchildren, Cousin, Miss Armenta and sons;  and a host of nieces, nephews, spiritual sons and daughters, and church family.  

Humbly Submitted, 

The Family