Beatrice Virginia Wilson
December 7, 1925 — July 17, 2021
Beatrice Conner Wilson, devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, of Fernandina Beach, Fl, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2021, at the age of 95.
Beatrice was born to parents Mercer Thomas Cleland and Lillian Abbott Cleland on December 7, 1925, in Lithonia, GA. She grew up one of six siblings and attended Lithonia High School. Affectionately known as "Miss Bee", "Mama Bee", or "Aunt Bee" by almost everyone who met her, Beatrice remained a member, and considered First Baptist Church of Lithonia her church home even after moving from Georgia to Florida. She had fond memories of time spent with lifelong friends in the Joy Sunday school class. Likewise, as a younger woman, she cherished good times spent with close friends in the "Bluebirds" social group. Beatrice considered herself fortunate to have lived a full life with many supportive and loving friends; never taking for granted the gifts afforded her. She appreciated reading a good book, tending to an endless array of potted plants, and going on any kind of adventure. Be it "rambling around" in a consignment shop or tag sale, or exploring cities across the pond, she was always ready and eager to go.
As a breast cancer survivor of 49 years, and in a time when the survival rate was exceptionally low, Beatrice considered herself blessed to be able to share her story of recovery and offer encouragement to other women facing the same battle.
Beatrice is survived by her daughter, Deborah Adeline Conner of Fernandina Beach, FL; her son, Brian Maurice Wilson of Gainesville, FL; her brother, Mercer Thomas Cleland Jr. of Lithonia, GA; three grandchildren; James Neal Conner III, Allison Conner Nix, Ashley Conner Crouch of Atlanta, GA; three great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved family and friends. She is preceded in death by her first husband, James Neal Conner; second husband Maurice McCallum Wilson; son, James Neal Conner Jr.; parents, Mercer and Lillian, sisters, Vassie Carden and Valeria Kelly; and brothers, Harold, and Elmer Cleland.
At Beatrice's request, no services will be held at this time. Until such time the date for a Celebration of Life is announced, her family requests that everyone take a few minutes "have a good cup of coffee with some cheese and crackers" and remember a special moment spent with her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Puppy Hill Farm, PO Box 1743, Melrose, FL 32666, where two of her beloved four-legged companions were adopted. The family feels blessed that Molly, Dolly, and Polly brought Beatrice many years of unconditional love, joy, and laughter.
Beatrice was born to parents Mercer Thomas Cleland and Lillian Abbott Cleland on December 7, 1925, in Lithonia, GA. She grew up one of six siblings and attended Lithonia High School. Affectionately known as "Miss Bee", "Mama Bee", or "Aunt Bee" by almost everyone who met her, Beatrice remained a member, and considered First Baptist Church of Lithonia her church home even after moving from Georgia to Florida. She had fond memories of time spent with lifelong friends in the Joy Sunday school class. Likewise, as a younger woman, she cherished good times spent with close friends in the "Bluebirds" social group. Beatrice considered herself fortunate to have lived a full life with many supportive and loving friends; never taking for granted the gifts afforded her. She appreciated reading a good book, tending to an endless array of potted plants, and going on any kind of adventure. Be it "rambling around" in a consignment shop or tag sale, or exploring cities across the pond, she was always ready and eager to go.
As a breast cancer survivor of 49 years, and in a time when the survival rate was exceptionally low, Beatrice considered herself blessed to be able to share her story of recovery and offer encouragement to other women facing the same battle.
Beatrice is survived by her daughter, Deborah Adeline Conner of Fernandina Beach, FL; her son, Brian Maurice Wilson of Gainesville, FL; her brother, Mercer Thomas Cleland Jr. of Lithonia, GA; three grandchildren; James Neal Conner III, Allison Conner Nix, Ashley Conner Crouch of Atlanta, GA; three great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved family and friends. She is preceded in death by her first husband, James Neal Conner; second husband Maurice McCallum Wilson; son, James Neal Conner Jr.; parents, Mercer and Lillian, sisters, Vassie Carden and Valeria Kelly; and brothers, Harold, and Elmer Cleland.
At Beatrice's request, no services will be held at this time. Until such time the date for a Celebration of Life is announced, her family requests that everyone take a few minutes "have a good cup of coffee with some cheese and crackers" and remember a special moment spent with her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Puppy Hill Farm, PO Box 1743, Melrose, FL 32666, where two of her beloved four-legged companions were adopted. The family feels blessed that Molly, Dolly, and Polly brought Beatrice many years of unconditional love, joy, and laughter.
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