Sharlet A. Wilson

Sharlet A. Wilson, age 98, passed away peacefully June 16, 2024 due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born in Marlette, Michigan on November 7, 1925 to Jean and Clare Atkinson. Sharlet met the love of her life, George Wilson, at a picnic on the banks of the Red Cedar while attending Michigan State University. They married in East Lansing, Michigan on June 17, 1950, and began their 66-year marriage, which was filled with three children, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, moves to several different cities, many homes and a multitude of home improvement projects, scores of dear friends, travel around the world, and always an abundance of love. A tradition that Sharlet and George started when they were newly married and continued until they were in their 90’s was saying “to the day” as they clinked their orange juice glasses together every morning. And make the most of each day, they did! Sharlet faced the challenge of moving for George’s career with grace, always seeing these moves as a chance to tackle new house projects and make new friends. They lived in Chicago, Louisville, Birmingham, MI and Washington D.C. She enjoyed singing in church choirs and becoming involved in church committees in each place she lived. Sharlet volunteered in the office of her children’s high school, where her exceptional organizational skills were no doubt appreciated. Having breakfast on the table before school, being home for her kids after school to talk about the day, and always having dinner together were all very important to Sharlet, a message to all of us of the importance of gathering family together. Sharlet was an accomplished, but very modest, watercolor artist, this being a hobby that she could pack up and take with her to each new home. Although her still life paintings and beach scenes are gallery-worthy, she was reluctant to show them off. Fortunately, Sharlet was generous about giving her paintings away to all her children and grandchildren, cherished remembrances for all. Another favorite interest of Sharlet’s was kittens and cats, having owned and loved many over her lifetime, the most recent one being Benjie. He saw her through many hard days following the loss of George. Sharlet and George travelled to and lived in many places, but Anna Maria Island, Florida was truly their happiest place, where they owned a condo on the beach for 25 years. So many of their best times were there, celebrating holidays, hosting kids and grandkids for spring break, and holding yearly Derby parties. Sharlet could be found many afternoons in the pool with friends, chatting while they floated with their pool noodles! Sharlet and George made many lifelong friends in their years on Anna Maria. Sharlet is survived by her daughter Kathy Wilson (Joe Truhe), daughter Jane Heinzmann (Paul Heinzmann), son G. Craig Wilson (Laurie Wilson), as well as six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Sharlet was preceded in death by her husband, George, as well as her two sisters. A celebration of Sharlet’s life is planned for Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City. Donations in her name can be made to the Audubon Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of choice. The family would like to thank all the dedicated nurses and staff at Orchard Creek Memory Care in Traverse City and Hospice of Michigan for the outstanding care they provided Sharlet at the end of her life.

Sharlet A. Wilson

November 7, 1925 - June 16, 2024