Arthelia Wilson

Arthelia Wilson, 105, of Masontown, Pa., died of natural causes on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Personal Care at Evergreen, Waynesburg, Pa. Mrs. Wilson was a lifelong resident of Masontown where she was a well known and a beloved second grade teacher in the local school system. She was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and attended Marshall College in West Virginia. Mrs. Wilson taught for 36 years, two of which were in West Virginia schools and the rest of her teaching career was spent in Nicholson Township, Fayette County, Pa. and the Albert Gallatin Area School District. Mrs. Wilson was a church and community leader. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Masontown where she served as an elected Elder to the governing board of the Church for many years. Mrs. Wilson was a Sunday school teacher and, at one time, the church school superintendent. In the late 1940's, Mrs. Wilson joined with other leading women of Masontown to organize the Masontown Business and Professional Women's Club. She held various offices during her years as an active member. Mrs. Wilson was the last charter member at the time of her death. Mrs. Wilson was one of the founding members of The Friends of the Library at the German Masontown Public Library. The organization honored her with the distinction of charter member for her 40 years of devoted support. Mrs. Wilson also supported the Masontown Historical Society with monetary gifts as well as donations of interesting artifacts and early photographs. At one time, she was an active member of the Masontown Flower Club and placed arrangements in the annual flower shows and participated in various activities. Mrs. Wilson enjoyed her membership in the Uniontown Shakespeare Club and regularly attended its programs. Arthelia Wilson was married 51 years to the late Arnett J. Wilson, a native of Clay County, West Virginia. She is survived by her daughter, Jane, who is married to Professor George Beam of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren, Alison Meyers of Houston, Texas and John Beam and his wife, Pamela of Canton, Ohio and two great granddaughters, Emily Meyers and Olivia Beam. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the mausoleum chapel at LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, Pa. Interment will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the German Masontown Public Library or to a charity of the donor's choice.