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Shirley Jean Else Wilson, 94, of Mooresville, NC, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 19, 1932, in Winston-Salem, NC, to the late John and Lucile Conant Else. Shirley grew up in Roselle Park, NJ. After attending Mary Baldwin College, she worked as a secretary in New York City and Westchester, NY. She met her late husband, John "Jack" David Wilson in New Jersey, where they married in 1958 and soon started their family. They moved to each of Selinsgrove, PA, Shelton, CT, and North Kingstown, RI, before settling in Troy, OH, where they lived for 39 years. At each location, Shirley and her husband were active members of the community. In Troy, she will be remembered by innumerable friends, neighbors and acquaintances for her compassion, intelligence, wit, positive attitude, and welcoming spirit. Shirley was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. With her husband, she spent many years wintering in Marco Island, FL, plus traveled with her husband and friends across North America and Europe. In 2015, Shirley and her husband moved to Mooresville, NC to be closer to family. In Mooresville, she attended Williamson Chapel United Methodist Church. Her faith community provided her with great joy and friendships, as she again embraced the love of family and friends. Shirley enjoyed gathering for lively card games, book club, and meals, both at home and in restaurants. She often indulged her love of reading, reflecting her intelligence and knowledge. Shirley enjoyed watching sports on TV with her family, an activity she pursued from the beginning of her 57 years of marriage. She took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for those she loved. Shirley is remembered as a kind and caring woman who always made time for others. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Kathryn Else Johnson, and brother, Jack Conant Else. She is survived by her three children, Nancy L. Wilson of Ashtabula, OH, Dr. James D. Wilson (Leslie) of Mooresville, and Thomas J. Wilson (Vikki) of Hanover, MA; five grandchildren, Catherine Wilson Helfrich (Scott) and their newborn son (Nolan James), along with Rebecca Wilson, Allison Wilson, John "Jack" Wilson, and Perry Wilson; and sisters-in-law, Helen "Happy" Ashley (Al) and Lois Weitz; plus many nieces and nephews. All will remember her fondly. A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to the S. Mitchell Mark Hospice House in Mooresville, in Shirley's memory, 1325 Mecklenburg Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115 https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory in Mooresville is serving the Wilson family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Shirley Jean Wilson

February 19, 1932 - June 12, 2026