Nora Wilson

Nora Mae Wilson, born to Lafeyette and Mary Doakes in Beggs, Oklahoma, died peacefully at the Life HOUSE Atrium. Nora attended Oklahoma schools. She graduated from Langston University, Langston, Ok, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. While teaching at an elementary school in Bristow, OK, Nora met Costello (Cos) Wilson who spotted her while she was at recess with her class. They married in 1952 and enjoyed 61 years of wedded history. Cos and Nora are the parents of Dale (Gloria - deceased), Terry (Sheila) and Denita (Mark – deceased) Wilson-Patton. In 1957, the family relocated from Oklahoma City, to Rockford, IL. Nora taught at Fairview Elementary School from 1957 until her retirement in 1984. In retirement, she enjoyed working part-time at Auburn High School as an office assistant and volunteering at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Cos and Nora were considered “Pioneers in Education” as their career commenced with an initial group of other African-Americans who also taught in the Rockford School District. Nora attended Pilgrim Baptist Church. She was a Charter Member and Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pi Gamma Omega Chapter and was also a member of The Links, Inc. Nora loved teaching children and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren, Enjolli Wilson of Normal, IL, Jessica Wilson of Los Angeles, CA and Justin Wilson of Minneapolis, MN. As a result of declining health, Cos and Nora moved from their home to the Life HOUSE Atrium in 2007. After Cos passed away on April 16, 2013, Nora continued to reside there. Nora was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Leo Doakes. Please consider making a memorial contribution to: The Life HOUSE Atrium, 2885 McFarland Rd., Rockford, IL 61107, or Heartland Hospice, 6000 East State St., 1st Fl, Rockford, IL 61108. Our family is grateful for the excellent, loving care they provided Coz & Nora, as they struggled with the challenges Alzheimer’s presents.

Memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.