Marjorie Wilson

Marjorie Louise Wilson was born in Jefferson City, Missouri to Noah Kenneth and May Gladys Nichols (Seary) on May 6, 1926.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 17, 2021. She was 95 years young when she passed and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Marge and her family moved to Kansas City during her high school years.  She worked at Bendix/Allied Signal where her dedication and hard work eventually led her to a promotion as one of the first women in quality control supervision.  While there she would meet Raymond Neal Wilson.  Ray and Marge knew they were destined to be together, so they eloped and were married on December 31, 1959.  They were married for almost 62 years and raised 5 children together.  While continuing to work, Marge devoted herself to raising her 5 children, rarely missing a sporting event, dance recital, school program, or special occasion.  Once she had grandchildren, they received that same love and devotion and Marge forever became lovingly known as Gaga.   In fact, it was her desire to make sure she kept up with her grandchildren that led her at 80 years old to learn to text and use Facebook.

Once Marge and Ray were able to retire, they enjoyed traveling with travel groups and friends.  Just weeks ago, many experiences were relived, including their trip to New York where they visited the World Trade Center the night before 9/11.  Never one to let grass grow under her feet, Marge loved adventure and the feel of the sun on her face.  The sun energized her, and she thrived in its light.

Marge had many fabulous qualities but the one quality that everyone recognized in Marge was her impeccable sense of fashion.  She never left the house without being perfectly coiffed and wearing a fabulous pair of heels.  It was not unusual for a perfect stranger to stop Marge to compliment her on her beauty…and always her shoes!  In keeping with her strong faith, Marge fully believed THE HIGHER THE HEELS, THE CLOSER TO HEAVEN so she wore them well into her 90s!!

Her shoes were a representation of her personality and character.  Those who know her describe her as sweet, spunky, sassy, snappy, adventurous, feisty, fun, smart and direct.  She was quick with a compliment but was always sincere, for better or worse, no matter what.  Marge was interested in life and she was interested in other people’s lives.  She was authentic.

Marge was a dedicated member of Red Bridge United Methodist Church where she continued to grow in her faith.  She was an active participant in a women’s bible study group where they read every chapter of the Bible, not once but twice, to study and learn the word God.  She and Ray were also active in the Genesis Sunday School Class which they attended faithfully.  All who entered Sunday service at the lower level of the Church, including all the children, were greeted for years by Marge at one door and Ray at the other.  They loved seeing all the children and the children loved seeing them.  At the service last Sunday, parishioners of all ages had stories to tell about Margie!

Marge is survived by her husband, Ray;  daughters: Lindy Gidseg (Glenn), Mindy Gentile McClosky (Gregg), Karen Hancock (Steve); son, David Wilson (Karen); grandchildren Alison Haywood (Austin), Brooke Hancock, Steven Wilson, Jake Wilson, Erica Williams (Rob), Jake McClosky, Sarah McClosky;  great-grandchildren Hailey Rayne Nordstrom, Kadyn, Carter, Kinley and Colton Williams, and soon-to-be-born Baby Haywood.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jeanne Freeman, son Steven Gentile and grandson Jason Nordstrom.  Faith, family and friends were always central to her life and she will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and were blessed to know her.  We release her to the arms of the angels, and we know heaven is a bit brighter, and bit more fashionable, now.

A celebration of her life will be held at Red Bridge United Methodist Church (636 E. 117th St., Kansas City, Missouri) on Saturday, September 25, 2021.  A visitation will begin at 1:00, followed by funeral service at 2:00.  Marge will be laid to rest at Johnson County Memorial Gardens (11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS).  Due to the ongoing pandemic, we request that masks be worn in all indoor spaces.  In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in her name at Red Bridge United Methodist Church and Kansas City Hospice.