Mary Dell Wilson

Mary Dell Wilson, 89, of Waterloo, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, while a patient at Unity Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo. She was born on May 25, 1935, in Starksville, MS, the daughter of Calvin and Mattie Davis. Mary married Jesse Ross, and they later divorced. She then married Elbert "Bull" Wilson on December 24, 1960, and they shared 49 wonderful years until he passed away. She was a member and mother of Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church in Waterloo as well as Eastern Star.

Mary was a giving woman who was a mother to more than her own children. She accepted Christ at an early age and followed the teachings of Jesus in her dealings with others. Mary delighted in traveling to Mississippi to visit her family as well as playing cards, going to the casino and playing bingo. A very private person with a heart of gold, she was funny and understanding while being a good listener. Mary was the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother anyone could ask for. She is remembered as having a mouth with no filter!

Mary is survived by her children Willie (Terrie) Ross of Waterloo, Larry (Elwanda) Wilson of Waterloo, Jerry (Alisha) Wilson of Sioux City, Gloria (Leo) White of Waterloo, Mark (Cassandra) Wilson Bey of Waterloo, Timothy (Trenette) Wilson of Waterloo, Lolita Ross of Waterloo and Alex Martin of Waterloo; 29 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; siblings Nathaniel (Mary) Doss of East St. Louis, Jerry Doss of Starksville, MS, Cleo Davis of East St Louis, Dyna Doss of Starksville, Agness "Doll" Martin, and Jim Rooff of Waterloo; God brother Herman "Buddy" Wise, God daughters Kathy Bishop and Maxine Bishop; favorite niece Bobbie Jefferson; lifelong friend Muggie; God sons Alex Martin and Richard Martin and many other family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her stepfather, Jerry Doss; sons Wilson "Dyke" Ross and Elbert Wilson Jr; daughter Lillie Wilson; several infants at birth; grandchildren Emonie Ross, Timothy Wilson Jr, Ashley Jones and LaTasha and LaRoyce Coleman; and siblings Willie Doss, Jimmy Doss, Walter Davis, Woodrow Davis, Calvin Davis Jr, Elma Roberts, Julia Owens, Lee Davis, Isabel Davis, and Jean Doss.

A visitation for Mary will be Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 1 PM at Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 930 W 4th St., Waterloo with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.