Obituary of Betty Pauline Wilson

Betty Pauline (Craft) Wilson passed from here to eternity to join her Heavenly Father on Friday, April 29, 2016. She was born in Grafton, West Virginia, to Thomas and Mildred Craft on May 5, 1928, and moved to Akron, Ohio, with her husband and baby daughter in 1953. She became mother to 3 additional children and was married for 64 years to the love of her life, Charles Hartsel Wilson, who preceded her in death. A graduate of Grafton High School in 1946, Betty participated in many school dramas, music and sports activities. She attended Concord College in Athens, WV, and worked as a switchboard operator for the Bell Company in both Grafton and Akron. She was a 63-year member of the Akron Baptist Temple where she served on the staff as Sunday School secretary, organist and soloist. Betty, a devout Christian and prayer warrior, openly shared her faith in Jesus Christ. She worked side-by-side with her husband in building a beautiful home for their family and was a gracious hostess, passionate about entertaining her family and many friends. Christmas at "Granny/Nana's" was a favorite holiday for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Edward Craft and infant grandson Bryan Meek. She is survived by her children Paula Buie, David (Kathryn) Wilson, Debra (David) McNair and Marla Meek; grandchildren Ryan (Sarah) McNair, Shane (Nicole) Buie, Dr. Tavis (Tiffany) McNair, Davina (Matthew) Main and Aaron Meek; great-grandchildren Ian, Caden, Nathaniel, Liam, Clara, Alyvia, Aria, Cora, Elia and Malcolm; brothers Leo (Doris) Craft and Thomas (Dottie) Craft; sisters Nancy Reyer and Ann (Denny) Montgomery; brothers-in-law Arnold (Lucille) Wilson and Edward Beavers; sister-in-law Betty Gough; and a large extended family. Special thanks go to the outstanding care staff of the Neurological Intensive Care Unit at Akron General Hospital during her brief stay following a traumatic fall. The family will receive friends Monday, May 2, from 4 to 7 pm, at Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44301. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 3, at 11 am, at Akron Baptist Temple, 2324 Manchester, in Akron, Rd Rev. Ed Holland officiating. Private interment will be held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. (Anthony, Akron, 330-724-1281, anthonyfh.com)