Ms. Johnnie Mae Wilson, revered as a woman who loved Jesus and known for her loving spirit, unyielding faith, and gentle strength, was escorted into heaven on December 6, 2024.  Born on April 28,1941 to the parentage of the late John and Essie Bell Cobb of Max Wellborn, Alabama.

As a small girl, Johnnie Mae regularly attended Sunday School and church at Union Baptist Church in Merrellton, AL. She often spoke of her maternal grandfather, Kye Keith, and his strong faith which influenced her greatly. He walked her and her sisters to church Sunday after Sunday.

In October 1958, Johnnie Mae was united in marriage to the late Willie James Wilson, Sr. and this union was blessed with six children.

Among Johnnie Mae's most significant accomplishments was raising her children, who she held as her pride and joy. She served over 30 years with the Jacksonville City School System and retired as the secretary to the assistant principal.

Johnnie Mae joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, AL in 1958 where she served as church clerk for over 40 years. One night, a Jacksonville State University student named Pam obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit flipped through the telephone book and the name Johnnie Mae Wilson caught her eye. Pam called her to ask her if she had a personal relationship with Christ. In the many years of attending and serving in church, she admitted that she had no idea what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While on the phone, with a lady she didn't know and would never meet, Pam lead her to Christ. Johnnie Mae found the love and power of God irresistible, and that very night, she gave her heart to Jesus Christ and trusted Him to be her personal Lord and Savior. Johnnie Mae's life was changed forever. One verse she would frequently reference was Psalm 37:25 (KJV), "I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." She would often say it's not how good she is, but how faithful and good God is.

Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by: her parents John Cobb and Essie Bell Keith; her oldest son Jeffery Dwayne Wilson (Susan); Siblings: John Dallas Cobb and Mary Ellen Williams.

Johnnie Mae is survived by: her loving and faithful children; Gwen Coley (Steven) of Hazel Green, AL, Diane Wilson of Jacksonville, AL, Angela Jones (Kevin) of Pelham, AL, Willie James Wilson Jr. (Yvette) of San Antonio, Texas and Lealoni "CeCe" Troy of Dallas, Georgia; three sisters, Ruby Keith and Elsie Adams both of Jacksonville, AL and Juanita Nixon of Albany, GA;; fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and lifelong friends whose loving memories of her will forever be cherished in their hearts.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
1728 Louise Drive, Jacksonville AL 36265