Obituary of Jo Nell Wilson

Jo Nell Wilson 86, of Canton, MS was called home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2018. A visitation honoring Mrs. Wilson will take place Friday, November 02, 2018 from 10-11 A.M. at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, MS. A Celebration of Life service will follow immediately at 11A.M. at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, MS. Located at 759 Hwy 51, Madison, MS. Burial will follow at the Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Jo Nell was born December 13, 1931 to Mr. Kermit & Sylvia Bess in Bloomfield, MO. After finishing high school, she attended Southeast Missouri State College (now University of SE MO). She then married her high school sweetheart, William I. Wilson and they enjoyed 64 years together before his death in 2014.

In 1953, the Wilson family moved to Mississippi and after many moves settled in Jackson in 1964. Jo Nell was an artist, an avid gardener, and an animal lover. She and her husband raised Pomeranians and Dalmatians for many years. Mrs. Jo Nell spent the last 30 years working diligently on her family’s genealogy.

Jo Nell spent most of her working life in the employ of a marketing firm as a secretary. Mrs. Wilson was active in the auxiliary of her husband’s insurance association until his retirement. She also was an active member of the church for most of her life, until her health began to decline. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Madison.

She is preceded in passing by her husband, William I. Wilson, her parents, Joseph Kermit Bess & Sylvia Maree’ Huggins Bess, one son in law, Richard Barnes Rossie.

Jo Nell is survived by her two daughters: Anita Kae Patterson and her husband Alan of Gluckstadt, MS, and Karen Sue Rossie of Gluckstadt, MS, one son: Steven Ray Wilson of Madison, MS, one brother: Ray Dean Bess and his wife Jean of Malden, MO, five grandchildren: Scott Patterson, Russell Patterson and his wife Theresa, Cori Cianelli and her husband Tony, Christie McFadden and her husband Jason, and Randy Rossie and his husband Dion, twelve great grandchildren: Dylan Wesley, Kody Patterson, Piper Patterson, Peyton Cianelli, Kaileigh Cianelli, Anthony Cianelli, Dale Patterson, Kaede Patterson, Sara Patterson, Brittan McFadden, Harley McFadden, and Saylor McFadden.

Dr. Ronnie Falvey will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cheshire Abbey in Jackson, MS or Charity of your choice.