Bette S. Wilson

Bette Wilson passed away on December 6, 2022 after a short illness. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Bette was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she leaves behind three children: John Wilson, Matt Wilson (Karen), and Jane Wilson, as well as three grandchildren: Katie Wilson Armijo (Jacob), John William Wilson (Kayla), and Michael Wilson, and one surviving sibling, Chick Stessman. She is predeceased by her husband Thomas James Wilson, Jr and son Thomas James Wilson III. Born Elizabeth Carolyn Stessman in Harlan, IA, Bette retained a love of the Midwest throughout her life. When she was a young girl during World War II, her family moved to Omaha, Nebraska - a spot she always referred to as the "center of the earth...". She attended Immaculate Conception elementary school (where she met her future husband Tom), then St John High School and Creighton University, where she received an associate degree, which allowed her to get her teaching certificate. After a year teaching in North Platte, Nebraska, she returned to Omaha to teach in the Omaha public schools and soon married Tom. They were married for almost 45 years, until his death in 1999. Her husband's work meant that their young family moved quite a bit - Lincoln, NE; Fort Worth, TX; Metairie, LA; and, finally, Conyers, GA, where she lived for almost 50 years. Bette taught her family the value of hard work. After the family moved to Georgia, she embarked on a 23-year career with AT&T, where she found her true calling as a people manager in multiple departments - she always excelled at giving advice and telling folks "what you need to do...". She loved to travel and see new places, but also loved returning home. She spent several years painting china as a hobby, and she loved to decorate. One of her strongest passions was following the news, especially politics. A lifelong staunch Democrat, Bette was proud that she was born on the same day Franklin Delano Roosevelt was first elected President. Most of all, Bette loved her family. She was dedicated to her children and raised them to be a strong, loving, and supportive family. When her grandchildren came along, they were her pride and joy, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them. She also enjoyed Stessman reunions with her extended family - beloved brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. Above anything else, Bette was a caretaker, and she spent her life making sure her family felt safe, cared for, well fed, and loved. The Wilson family invites you to join them to remember Bette: Visitation/rosary on Sunday, December 11 from 6-8 pm, Scot Ward Funeral Home in Conyers, GA. Funeral Mass on Monday, December 12 at 11 am, St Pius X Catholic Church, Conyers, GA, followed by a graveside service at Green Meadows Cemetery and lunch/reception at Scot Ward. To honor Bette's memory, her family suggests supporting The Rockdale House for Women (). Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Bette S. Wilson

November 8, 1932 - December 6, 2022