Mary Geneva Clemons Wilson

Mary Geneva Clemons Wilson, born January 23,1953 to the late Geneva Gardner and Henry Clemons gained her wings on Saturday, January 4, 2020.

A Jacksonville, Florida native; she was a graduate of Stanton High School where she was apart of the National Honor Society. She began her college journey at Florida Junior College where she earned her Associates in Art Studies. Later she was accepted to University of North Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, which lead to her job opportunity as former Mayor of Jacksonville, FL, Hans Tanzler’s Administrative Assistant. She finished her educational journey with a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

In Jacksonville she was an active member of the Junior League, Leadership Jacksonville, and was on the board of The Bridge of North East Florida, now known as the Boys & Girls Club.

After being promoted to a job for the city of Jacksonville, Florida and serving the community for many years, in 1991 Mary accepted a job for the U.S. Housing and Urban Development in Knoxville, Tennessee under Ginny Peck. She later became the Field Office Director. She served U.S. Housing and Urban Development for 28 years and loved every moment of it, unfortunately she was forced into retirement due to the progression of her cancer.

Mary was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Kelly Miller Smith Jr., where she served as a bible study teacher, Sunday school teacher, and as one of the church’s librarians. In her final days she attended Freedom Fellowship Christian Church under the leadership of Reverend Derrick Wakefield.

Mary was known for her high-pitched voice, high cheek bones, infectious smile, and most importantly as a woman with a heart for God. When asked what her purpose was, she replied, “To serve” and that she did.

Mary was preceded in death by her late brother Norris Clemons and late stepmother Helen Clemons. She leaves to cherish her memory siblings, Henry Clemons and Dennis Clemons.  She also leaves her legacy through her children; Ashley Wilson, Keith Wilson, TJ Wilson and devoted daughter Jessica Wilson. Grandchildren Maliyah Wilson, Jordan Stinson, and Riley Wilson, many devoted friends and the whole Knoxville Office of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020, the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with funeral service to follow at Freedom Fellowship Christian Church, 4027 Papermill Drive, Knoxville, TN.  Pastor Derrick Wakefield officiating.  Saturday, January 18, 2020, Ms. Wilson may be viewed from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at James Graham Mortuary Chapel, 3631 Montcrief Road, Jacksonville, FL then proceed to Evergreen Cemetery for a graveside service.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD and assisted by James Graham Mortuary, Inc. (904) 766-0436.  

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