Cecil Wilson,

February 15, 2004

Cecil Theodore Isiah Roosevelt Rhinehart Wilson, 95, of 75 Gifford Ave., West Ellicott, died Thursday (Feb. 12, 2004) in the Lutheran Retirement Home. A Jamestown resident since 1915, he was born Sept. 22, 1908 in Maiden, N.C., a son of Isaac and Anna Rhinehart Wilson. He received his education in the Jamestown Public Schools and attended Jamestown Business College. Prior to retiring in 1973, he had been employed as a polisher at Marlin-Rockwell Division of TRW. He was also a well-known custodian for serveral area companies, including the Bank fo Jamestown, WJTN Radio, Merrill-Lynch, Darling Jewelry, Little Theater of Jamestown, and several doctors, dentists, and attorneys offices. The oldest African-American resident of Jamestown, he was the last surviving charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was a member of Mt. Sinai Lodge #56 of the 7th Masonic District, and had held the positions of master, secretary, and treasurer; and was active with the Voluntary Immediate Relief Foundation. He was also a member of the Building Guild of the Little Theater of Jamestown, now known as the Lucille Ball Little Theater, and loved performing in several stage productions. Always a great athlete, he had been a professional prize fighter in his youth, and took part in many "pick-up" games of basketball and baseball. He loved horses and enjoyed spending time with his buddies at the Off Track Betting Parlor. Survivors: Daughters - Doris Mackey, LillaDell Howard, Vicki Goble. Son - George A. Wilson, Sr. Grandchildren - Charles Mackey, Glenn and Kenneth Otis, Yolanda Strudwick, George Jr., Gregg, and Chad Wilson, Garrett Goble. 12 Great Grandchildren; 9 Great Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by his wife, the former Yvonne s. "Bonnie" Warn, whom he married July 6, 1958, and who died August 5, 1995; son: Cecil T. Wilson, Jr., Jan. 31, 1995; Daughter: Bonnie Otis July 7, 1995; Grandchildren: Dr. Loretta Joanne Wilson-Wade in 1991, Darrly Sanders in 1995, and Sylvia Mackey in 2000; brothers: Frank, Tom, and Marshall; sisters: Addie Mae, Martha, and Lydia. Rev. Leroy Walker will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorials: Emmanuel Baptist Church 53 W. 23rd St. Jamestown, NY 14701 -or- American Diabetes Association 315 Alberta Dr. Amherst, NY 14226