Ruth "Memaw" Palmer Wilson

Ruth “Memaw” Palmer Wilson (October 7, 1925 - January 24, 2023) was called home from Dallas, Texas, where she lived the last nine of her ninety-seven years. Born in Beech Creek, North Carolina, to Clay and Hattie Palmer, she was one of seven children with one sister and five brothers.  She and her family later moved to Wilmington, Delaware, to support WWII efforts, and it’s there she met a persistent suitor by the name of Carlton Bryce Wilson.  After repeated invitations to go on a date, she finally conceded and ultimately wed him on April 13, 1946.  Together they created a family of five, having three daughters and forging adventures in each of the four states they would call home—Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  Houses became homes because Memaw’s magical touch made all who visited feel safe, warm, and loved. It is said that dogs can sense the innate goodness of a human, and Memaw never met a person or a dog who did not instantly adore her kind, gentle, and self-deprecating nature. The way she cared for “her people” is the heart of the legacy she leaves behind and the special ingredient in the many treasured family recipes that will be made in her honor in the years to come.

Preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Hattie Palmer, and her beloved husband of fifty years, Carlton Bryce Wilson; she leaves behind three devoted daughters, Sherry (Walt) Mazeall, Jennifer Woessner, and Robin (Duane) Glowski; eleven grandchildren, Angie (Gib) Prosise, Derek (Laura) Mazeall, Steve (Lyndsey) Mazeall, Lindsay White, Jeff (Angie) Mazeall, Rachel Barker, Megan Glowski, Emily Glowski, Conner Glowski, Gretchen Woessner, and Grant Woessner; ten great-grandchildren, and four great great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Willis Neaves and numerous nieces and nephews.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.