Lenda Catherine Sutton Wilson, a resident of Lancaster, SC, passed away on Monday evening, March 6, 2023 at Lancaster Health and Rehabilitation following an extended illness. This precious soul left her earthly dwelling and entered her beautiful mansion prepared for her by her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Lenda was a native of Taylor County (Abilene) Texas, born on July 28, 1937, the only child of George Washington Sutton, III and Alpha Clara Britt Sutton, who predeceased her.  On July 8, 1955, Lenda married her sweetheart and lifelong friend, Luther Delbert (Bud) Wilson, Jr., with whom she celebrated her 67 ^th wedding anniversary last year. Their marriage vows to each other formed an enduring commitment that remained firm until separated only by death.  Lenda and Bud modeled a Christian marriage before their children, leaving them a lasting legacy of enduring love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, always placing the needs of her family above her own.  Loving and nurturing her family were her priorities. Her loving husband, Bud, predeceased her just three months ago.

Prior to settling in Lancaster, SC, Lenda and Bud lived in several cities in Texas, including: Abilene, Odessa, Ft. Stockton and San Angelo.  Lenda spent her working career as a paralegal for a law firm in San Angelo, Texas.  She was very active in the Texas State Professional Legal Secretaries Association, where she served in several official positions.  Also, she was a charter member of the United States Professional Legal Secretaries Association.  Her favorite part of her job was working on the legal adoption of children. Upon retirement for each, Bud and Lenda moved to South Carolina to be closer to their sons.

Lenda loved the Lord Jesus Christ and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to give her love to others, spreading the gospel through various ministries. Lenda and Bud faithfully served the Lord wherever they lived, and several years prior to moving to SC Lenda and Bud were both instrumental in helping to plant a new church in San Angelo - Glen Meadows Baptist Church – a thriving, growing church still today. After moving to Lancaster, SC they both joined Covenant Baptist Church where they were actively involved as long as their health permitted.

Lenda was very talented musically, and she especially enjoyed being a part of the worship choir, the classics choir and the 4-G Sunday School Class at Covenant.  She was also a pianist and enjoyed playing, singing and listening to Christian music.  One could always find sheet music or hymn books displayed on her piano at home.  Lenda served locally for several years as an officer with the Stonecroft Ministries-Christian Women's Connection in Lancaster, a group which met monthly at a local restaurant. She enjoyed going to weekday Bible studies with her many friends, and even hosted Bible studies in her home on several occasions. Whatever Lenda committed to do, she did it with joy and with perfection – always being thoroughly prepared.  Truly, Lenda was a Proverbs 31 woman, leaving many cherished memories for her family and friends who will surely miss her sweet, sweet spirit and gentle touch.

Surviving are her two sons: Gary Lynn Wilson (Kathleen) of Iva, SC and Gregory Neal Wilson (Camille) of Huntersville, NC; Grandchildren include: Heather W. Summers (Scott); Josh Wilson; Christopher Tarkenton (Jessica); Amanda Nicole Wilson; Garrett Neal Wilson (Annie);  Michael Gagliardo (Tabatha);  Dominic Gagliardo (Cassidy); David Gagliardo;  and Christina Gagliardo Hager (Buddy).  Great-grandchildren include: Carter Summers and Gavin Summers; Audrey Elizabeth Wilson; Gabriel Wilson, Liam Wilson, Evangeline Marie Wilson, Juliana Grace Hager and Mariah Hager.

A graveside service will be held at Lancaster Memorial Park Cemetery, 1389 Memorial Park Rd., Lancaster, SC on Friday , March 10th, 2023, at 10 am, officiated by the Rev. Bobby Strother, Pastor of Covenant Baptist Church. The public is invited to share in the graveside service and greet the family following the service.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Baptist Church, 165 Craig Manor Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720, or to the charity of one's choice.