Paul L. & Yvonne W. Wilson
Paul and Yvonne Williams married on October 6, 1947. They have been married over seventy years. They have eight children, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. My dad worked as a Crane Operator by profession. And, my mother a loving wife, mother, and friend. They are both active members of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church of Morgan City, LA.
Our dad , affectionately called, "Daddy Yo" is the elder son. He was drafted and served as a Steward Mate StM1c on the USS 357. He and other Blacks served tables in the officer's mess among other duties. It was during the era of Jim Crow. Nonetheless, the LST-357 earned three battle stars for World War II service. During World War II USS LST-357 was assigned to the European Theater and participated in the following campaigns: European Campaigns - Sicilian occupation Licada, Sicily 10 July 1943; Invasion of Normandy ,Omaha Beach, 6 June 1944; and Salerno landings 9 September 1943 .
His father, Lawrence Wilson, transitioned this life on Daddy Yo's 18th birthday. Some of my dad's vivid memories of his childhood include going hunting so that there would be food for the family. He also told me about his grandfather Ed Wilson who lived with Aunt Irene in Matthews, LA . And, how he learned how to care for horses and drive a buggy. He also speaks of a wooden bicycle . My Dad is my Unsung Hero as he along with my Mom provided and continues to provide care to my brother Marty. As part of taking him to dialysis, prior to the transplant, he ministered to the patients and their families. He is actively involved in the choir, Men's Ministry, and Prayer Ministry at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. |
Our mother Yvonne Williams Wilson is affectionately called, "Yvonne", Mommy Yo", "Ma", "grandmother Yvonne", & "Momo". Like my Dad, she is the oldest in her family of four siblings. She recently informed me that after graduation, she had an opportunity to attend college. However, during those years after graduation, she worked as a Substitute Teacher in the Morgan City, LA Public School System. Doris Smith rode alone with her whenever they were assigned to various teaching posts at various locations. Although she did not attend college, she married my dad and started a family. She later completed correspondence training as a Nurse from a Nursing school in Chicago. Her diploma is proudly framed on one of her walls. Did she use that training? Unequivocally yes, as she was the primary caregiver to my brother Marty prior to, during and after his two transplants operations. And, still continue to provide limited assistance. She is my Unsung Hero!
She is a leader in her own right as she has served as the President of the Colored American Legion Women's Division in Morgan City, LA and has installed incoming officers throughout St. Mary Parish. She has served as President and in other leadership positions within the Pokeno Club, a social club that provided student scholarships to college to name a few social and community contributions. |
The Children
Sheena P.
Sheena is married to Don F. Coleman of TN for over 40 years. They are Itinerant Pastors serving as Associate Ministers at Main Baptist Church in Aurora, IL. They have two children: Kim-Monie and Arien. They also have two grandchildren: Amiri, who they are raising and Diamond along with 1 on the way. They reside in IL.
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Paul L. Jr.
Paul Jr. nicknamed "Maine" married Jacquelyn Griffin who is deceased. They have 8 children:
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Valerie L.
Valerie affectionately called "Miss Red" is married to Ezekiel Simmons, III Pastor of Ephesian Baptist Church (EBC )in LA. They have two daughters: Shenica and Tegan Amanda. Valerie is First Lady of EBC.
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Myron J.
Myron [Buzz zoo] Wilson, Sr. is married to Paula Bonnee. They have two sons, Myron Jr. and Brian. Myron is a home builder and loves to build.
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Jerome J.
Jerome nicknamed "Ta Ta" is deceased. He was single.
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Martin L.
Martin, nicknamed "Marty" is married to Charlette Brown and has 2 children ( Marty Jr. and Martasa). He also has several grandchildren.
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Kelvin M.
Kelvin is married to Judy. He has two children by a previous marriage. They are Kelvin Jr. and Shenice. He has two grandchildren - Dillon and Caleb.
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Demetrius M.
Demetrius, nicknamed "Duke" is of course number 8 and the baby boy of this tribe. He is married to Lisa Johnson. He has two children: Kirsten and Brian. He also has several grandchildren.
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