Obituaries
Steve Wilson, 1952-2023
Steve Wilson was born on December 22, 1952, in Friars Point, Mississippi, and passed away on December 13, 2023, just over a week before his 71st birthday. He was the youngest of six children born to Robert Wilson, Sr., and Sadie Purnell Wilson.
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at St. Dominic Hospital, Steve entered eternal life at age 70.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Sadie Mae Purnell and Robert E. Wilson, Sr. of Vicksburg, MS, three sisters, Corrine Young of St. Louis, MO, Robbie Mae Wilson-Harper and Heavy Cage of Vicksburg, MS; two brothers, Sylvester Allen of St. Louis, MO and C.W. Allen (Marge) of Fort Pierce, FL; and a great-granddaughter, Camari Rials of Normal, IL)
Steve lived a full life, working in construction as a pipefitter with membership in Local 619 (Vicksburg) and Local 597 (Chicago, IL). He was always on the road, traveling from job to job throughout the United States during his career until he finally retired at the age of 62. Steve was known for being strong, fierce, stubborn to a fault, a Man of Vision, a Man of Conviction, and a Man of Action. He had strong opinions about the injustices in the world, racism, and discrimination. He shared those opinions whether you wanted to listen or not. In the words of James Brown, “Papa Didn’t Take No Mess!”
Steve was also fun-loving. He enjoyed watching westerns and action movies, going to the movie theater with his family, playing dominoes and spades, and traveling. He would drive hundreds of miles across the country to visit a family member just to celebrate a birthday, graduation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holidays, or just to hang out. He traveled a lot during retirement, including a family dream trip to Hawaii in June 2023 to celebrate his 70th birthday. Steve loved to dress up, music, and dance. You could find him dancing to old-school music like the O’Jays, The Temptations, James Brown, and the Gap Band, and new-school music like Glory, Happy, and 24K Magic.
Most of all, Steve loved his seven children, thirteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his family. Steve liked to lead by example regarding his health. He did not drink or smoke and encouraged his family to follow suit. He worked out at the gym, walked up to six miles daily, and encouraged everyone to live a healthy lifestyle. He was the family’s caretaker. He ensured that his older siblings, cousins, and other family members met once a month for lunch and other older family members meet for weekly gatherings. He called to check on every family member and friend of the family on holidays and birthdays to show that he cared, loved them and that they mattered.
Finally, Steve Wilson was a believer in education. He encouraged his children and everyone else to get their education. He believed that education was power, and the key to success. If you look at his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, you will find that they took those words to heart and strove to educate and empower themselves.
He leaves to cherish the memory of his wife Bobbie Hicks-Wilson; children: Candi Blue of Chicago, IL; Donnell Wilson (Leslie) of Kannapolis, NC, Sacoby Wilson (Natasha) of Bowie, MD, Marnique Wilson of Madison, MS, Chauncey “D” (Leslie) of Atoka, TN, Chealcey Wilson (Kevin) of Covington, LA and Tockcey-DeShun Smith of (Atlanta, GA). Grandchildren: Candis, Trinity, Twila, Courtney, Antonee (Avery), Ariana and Ava, Marneicha, Keegan, Raiden (Rai), Peyton (Kai), Sheavion (Shea), and Aaliyah; Great grandchildren: Ceriyah, CeKai, Zuri, Zyla, and Ezra; siblings, Barbara Jean Wilson-Appleby, Connie Wilson-Calvin, brother, Robert E. (Mary)Wilson Jr., all of Vicksburg, MS., and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Steve Wilson on December 23, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Dr. Briggs Hopson Blvd., Vicksburg, MS.
Visitation will be held at C J Williams Mortuary Services, 4310 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS on December 22, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
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