Mrs. Ricky Wilson, 88 went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Forsyth Medical Center. Mother Ricky was born August 24, 1920 in Forsyth County to John Willard and Mary L. Fair.

Mother Ricky was a faithful member of Macedonia Worship Center (A T.V.P.H. Church of God, Inc.)for many years. She was a member of the Mother's Ministry, Auxiliary Leadership Director, and a Seminar Coordinator. Mrs. Wilson attended Kimberly Park Elementary School, Atkins High School, La Mae Beauty College and worked as a cosmetologist. She received a B.A. degree from Baltimore School of the Arts. Mrs. Wilson became the owner of Ricky's Boutique, Ricky's Modeling Agency, and Wedding Consultant L.T.D. She also worked at John Hopkins' Hospital as a medical records supervisor. She was a retired teacher from Forsyth Technical Community College. Mrs. Wilson was a teacher, model, designer, church member, and civic leader. She has served the community in many capacities. She was President of the local Urban League Guild, Southern Regional Coordinator of the National Council Urban League Founder, and President of V.I.P. Civic Club. Mrs. Ricky served on various organizations including the Board of Trustees Arts Council, Board of Winston-Salem Urban League, NAACP Treasurer, and the American Red Cross. She became the first African-American to chair the Convention Center and Coliseum Commission. She was re-elected for a second term, serving on this board for 8 years. She was a community activist, innovator, and humanitarian that has received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding community service. On May 15, 1981, the Mayor proclaimed Ricky Wilson Day. She was past matron of the sisters of Bivouac Chapter #530 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Past Grand Hospitality Chairman, Past Grand District Deputy-11th District (now the 30th District) O.E.S.P.H.A.J. of NC. She was a member of Daughter of Isis Seth's Ct. 105. She received an Honorary Past Illustrious Commandress Degree and she was a member of the Golden Circle. Mrs. Ricky was also co-organizer and charter member of the Clemmons Chapter of the National Women of Achievement, Inc. She served as the President for four years. In 1991, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame N.W.O.A, Inc. She served as National Assistant Sgt. of Arms 2001 N.W.O.A. Mrs. Ricky was the recipient of the Winston-Salem Chronicle Lifetime Achievement Award. She also received a Gold Key and a suite named in her honor, "The Wilson Suite" at the Coliseum Comfort Inn. Mrs. Ricky Wilson received a plethora of accolades and consistently maintained a spirit of humility; nevertheless, she wanted to be remembered as a "Strong Black Woman."

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William P. Wilson; one sister, Catherine Hines, and two brothers, John and James Fair.

Mother Ricky is survived by two daughters, Alexis Tennie and Constance Wilson both of Winston-Salem, NC; two sons, Reginald (Shirley) Wilson of Winston-Salem and Haywood Wilson of Las Vegas, NV; two brothers, Ernest (Carmen) E. Fair of Chicago, IL and T. Willard Fair of Miami, FL; two sisters, Mary F. Autry of Washington, DC and Lucille McCormick of Winston-Salem, NC; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Friday, February 27, 2009 from the Macedonia Worship Center (A T.V.P.H. Church of God, Inc.) with Apostle S.D. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10am until 10:30am on Friday at the Church.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the following for their kind care and support given to Mrs. Ricky Wilson: Apostle S.D. Johnson, Mrs. Billie Johnson and the Macedonia Family; Bishop James C. and Mrs. Joyce Hash and the St. Peter's Family; Deacon Bobby Sinclair of Macedonia Worship Center; the staff of Heritage Woods Retirement and Assisted Living; and the staff of CRT Golden Lamb Rest Home; Dr. Chase, Dr. Green and the Neurology staff and the Palliative Care staff of Forsyth Medical Center.