Delores Jean Wilson passed away peacefully in Akron, Ohio on December 24, 2025.   She was 96.

Born March 28, 1929, Jean was one of eight children born to Reverend Theodore R. and Lula Lee Varner Wilson. She was a lifelong member of Robert Street Church of God (now Arlington Church of God), where she spent much of her childhood and enjoyed many of her happiest memories.

Though quiet in demeanor, she was adventurous, fiercely independent, and always full of laughter. Determined to experience life on her own terms, Jean found her way to Chicago when she was still a student at East High School. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a secretary for a time.

Jean faced health challenges as a young adult, that stayed with her throughout her life. In recent years, her care was overseen by her niece Gailmarie along with her partner Brian. Together, they showered her with the things she loved: Swenson’s milkshakes, family visits and her favorite hymns.

The family extends its warm and heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful and loving care she received as a resident of Phoenix of Fairlawn, and also to the kind and thoughtful staff and volunteers at GENTIVA Hospice.

Preceding her in death were her grandmothers, Nellie Wilson and Lula Lynch Varner; parents Theodore and Lula Lee Wilson; sisters Ruth Fort (Howard), Helen Goodwell, Thelma Ford (Dewey), and Mary Mullen; brothers Harold, Roger and Theodore (Buck) Wilson; nieces Carol (Swain) Mosley, Arita (Goodwell) Lacy and Susan Wilson; and nephews Brian Mullen, Ronald Goodwell and Grover Goodwell, Jr. (Bosco).

She is survived by sister in-law Katherine (Kitty) Wilson, 14 nieces and nephews, and some very special lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held in the coming spring. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in her name to your favorite charity.