Joan Kathryn Wilson

JOAN KATHRYN WILSON (née JAGLA), 73, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024 in her home in Flowery Branch, GA surrounded by her family. She was born in Oshkosh WI on December 25, 1950, and was raised in Chicago.  Her love story began when she met Vic Wilson from New Holland, Ga who was stationed in Hawaii in the US Navy, while she was on vacation with friends. Their long distance romance blossomed and they were wed in Hawaii in June 1973 in a beautiful service overlooking the beach a year later.  After several years in Chicago, they moved to Georgia, where they raised their family. Joan's parents retired to Georgia in 1979, which was a wonderful blessing for them. Her Sister and Brother in law also retired here in 2016, completing her family here.  
 
Joan's profound commitment to education was evident in her enduring career.  She knew from childhood that she wanted to be a teacher. After earning her degrees from the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University, she began her teaching journey in Chicago in 1972 at an inner city elementary school.  She earned a Masters degree from Brenau College in 1983. She continued her teaching career in Georgia for the next 30 years, where she continued to inspire students until her retirement. Joan was selected as teacher of the Year at two different schools and was chosen as Hall County Teacher of the Year in 1977, a testament to her impact and dedication. She touched many children’s lives.

Beyond her professional achievements, Joan was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her sons, Scott and Drew. She took immense joy in her role as a grandmother to Jackson and Grayson.

Her personal interests included gardening and spending cherished moments with her family and friends, including special sister days every week with her sister, Paula Gdowski. Joan’s Christian Faith was central to every aspect of her life.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Jeanne Jagla. She is survived by her husband, Vic Wilson; sons, Scott and Drew Wilson; grandchildren, Jackson and Grayson Wilson; and sister and brother-in-law, Paula and Greg Gdowski.

Services to honor Joan's life will be held at Memorial Park South Funeral Home in Flowery Branch, GA on Friday, October 25th. There will be a visitation with the family starting at 1:30 and a Celebration of Life in the Chapel at 2:00.  Joan suggested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Eagle Ranch, www.eagleranch.org or the Lanier Christian Academy Building Program, www.lanierchristianacademy.org both of which were very dear to her.
 
Joan's life and legacy will be remembered by all who knew her as a beacon of kindness, faith, and educational excellence.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.