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After a long life of faithful service to the Lord Jesus Christ, God called Alice Ann Wilson to her heavenly home on December 8, 2023. Alice was born in Decatur, Illinois, on January 2, 1935, to Douglas Burdett Wantland and Myrtle Irene Litterst Wantland. She is survived by her sister-in-law Shirley Wantland; her children Maria (Gregory) DeGeal and James (Christina) Wilson; grandchildren Chelsea (Devonn), Briana (Tarrek) and Shelby; her foster-grandchildren Yesenia, Ramiro and Obed and their families; and nieces Janel, Janett, and Jill. Alice was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 53 years, Delbert Wilson, her brother Burdett Wantland, her foster daughter Evelia Briones, and Evelia’s husband Feliciano Robles. Alice dedicated her life to Christian service. She graduated Lincoln Bible Institute in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Scriptures and immediately began mission work in El Paso, Texas. While serving in El Paso, Alice enrolled in a university extension program in Saltillo, Mexico, to begin learning basic Spanish. While in Saltillo, Alice met her future husband, Delbert Wilson, who was serving as a summer intern with missionaries Harold and Irene Gibbs. Two years later Alice and Delbert were married, on August 26, 1959. In June 1960, Alice and Delbert moved to Saltillo to continue the mission work begun by the Gibbs. While serving there they adopted their daughter and son and raised their foster daughter. In 1976 the Wilson family concluded their mission work and relocated to the south side of San Antonio. They continued their Christian service, first in Hondo, then over the years at Northside Christian Church, South Memorial Christian Church, and finally Harlandale Christian Church. Alice worked in a Christian bookstore and later became a caregiver to elderly clients. Alice also went to nursing school, graduating in 1983 and receiving her certification as an LVN. She worked as a nurse at Santa Rosa hospital in downtown San Antonio, and at the Medical Center’s Methodist and Santa Rosa hospitals. Alice’s genuine interest in others and in their wellbeing was key to her character. Even strangers could sense it—often sharing with her their stories and telling her their troubles, without Alice ever prompting or prying. If you were to eavesdrop on one of those spontaneous conversations, you might have been inclined to ask Alice, “do you know that person?”, to which she would respond, “I’ve never seen them before today!” But also if you listened long enough to such exchanges, you would likely hear her ask, “do you know Jesus?”, because with her genuine concern and compassion she knew there to be no more important question. Now, because of her faith and God’s merciful grace, Alice gets to talk to Jesus Himself, face to face. And no doubt her faithful service to Christ continues and will continue forevermore! Visitation will be on Sunday, December 17, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, 1700 SE Military Drive, San Antonio, TX, following with a funeral service to celebrate Alice’s life at 1:00 p.m. Final viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the funeral home, followed by a graveside interment service at 10:00 a.m. at Mission Burial Park South. In accord with Alice’s lifelong desire to spread the Gospel and her specific request in advance of her passing, if you are inclined to give a gift in honor of her life the family asks that donations be made to one or more of the following Pioneer Bible Translators missionaries that she supported or to the organization as whole: Marcia Martin: https://pioneerbible.org/marshamartin/ Brian and Hannah Paris: https://pioneerbible.org/brianandhannahparis/ Greg and Rebecca Pruett: https://pioneerbible.org/gregandrebeccapruett/ Pioneer Bible Translators: https://pioneerbible.org/donate (The family apologizes for not relaying this information sooner. If you have already purchased flowers, plants or other gifts, they appreciate your thoughtfulness and thank you for honoring Alice with your gifts!) You can read an extended version of this obituary by following this link. https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=E9EFF42665F02A40%2166951&authkey=!AK6VFQ5N_Kf5uI8

Tributes

Alice Ann Wilson

January 2, 1935 - December 8, 2023