THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170196
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Shirley Brinkley
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Several years ago, Madelaine Wilson decided to help her mother become involved in senior activities.
That was the beginning of Wilson's association with the Senior Citizens Center at 350 N. Main St. A retired Suffolk school teacher, she volunteered to help seniors with their craft projects and accompanied them on day trips.
Later, Wilson worked part-time as assistant program coordinator and then advanced to a full-time position as program coordinator.
``I'm in charge of arts and crafts and see to it that the programs are carried out as scheduled on the calendar,'' said Wilson, who was wearing a large straw hat decorated with an official Olympics pin, Texas and Virginia pins, and several butterfly pins.
``When my son, Jay, died, I attended a support group, Compassionate Friends,'' Wilson explained. ``The butterfly is its emblem.''
At the Center, Wilson and her senior aide, Sheila Bailey, plan a calendar of events, which includes a monthly day trip. She also is on call to assist at the Holland and Whaleyville senior centers and works with senior groups in local churches. Frequently invited to speak to women's clubs, she urges seniors to become more physically active through fitness programs.
In May, she accompanied senior athlete, Florida Staton, to the U.S. National Senior Sports Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
Wilson has coordinated ``55 Alive,'' a senior safe-driving class and worked with the Widowed Persons Service.
An active member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, Wilson is a lay eucharistic minister, trustee, and sings in the choir. She is a member of the Pinochle Bugs Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and a charter member of the Chums Club.
Birthdate/Hometown? Aug. 23, 1920 in Suffolk
Fondest Childhood Memory? Quiet times with family - My mom reciting poetry
Marital Status/Children? Widowed. Children: Madelaine Johnson, owner of Quality Care - Child Care of Suffolk; John Wilson, dean of Campus Life at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga.; and James A. ``Jay'' Wilson, deceased. There are four grandchildren and one step-great-granddaughter.
Pets? Two dogs, Kristie and Princess
First Job/Worst Job? Best job, teaching. I've had no worst job.
Occupation? Senior Citizens Center coordinator
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? I plan to ``re-retire'' sometime and enjoy myself.
What's your favorite Hangout? Home
Favorite night out on the town? Mini-jazz festivals.
Favorite movies/TV show? ``The Bridges of Madison County,'' ``Murder She Wrote''
Favorite food/drink? Corn pudding/coffee
Book you wish everyone would read? The Bible
Ideal Vacation? A cruise
I can't resist? A peach milkshake
Few people know that I? was included in ``Who's Who Among Black Americans.''
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Build Saint Mark's a new church
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? My mom. ``Trust in the Lord with all thy might. Lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.''
What's the best thing about yourself? My desire to be kind to others
Of what achievements are you most proud? My children
Something you wish to say but haven't? I hope I can spend my remaining years in service to other people.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE by CNB