Odessa L. Wilson

Odessa Lillian Wilson affectionately known as “Dell” was born September 7, 1948 to the late Mildred Summerville-Wilson and Melvin Louis Wilson. On June 4, 2024, Dell was called home to glory after a lengthy illness. She was the youngest of eight children.

Dell gave her life to Christ at a very young age. Dell re-dedicated her life to Christ on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She attended Church whenever she could and watched it online as often as possible. When she was having a rough day, her daughter would call her family and friends to come pray with and for her. She often wanted them to bring her a bowl of beans or some chicken noodle soup to cheer her up.

Our beloved Dell fought a long hard fight. She was a very spirited and independent woman who enjoyed giving out instructions. The family loved and respected her for her honest and outspoken opinions. She was a lover of music and was often the life of the party, blowing her whistle. She loved dancing, especially hand-dancing. Dell enjoyed life to the fullest and was very thankful to have survived Cancer in her late 60’s and to spend time with her daughter, granddaughter and other family members.

Dell graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. After graduating, Dell dedicated over 37 years of her career to working at the Housing Authority of Baltimore City where she worked at Hollander Ridge, Westport and Perkins Homes Projects. She retired from the Housing Authority in 2010. She later worked as a barmaid at the Top & Bottom. She then worked at the Apollo Social Club in East Baltimore. She would have a line of people waiting for her to serve them.

Dell loved to watch sports with her granddaughter. She enjoyed watching and cheering for her beloved Ravens and was a true fan. In her younger days, she played softball for Knox Community Church at first base. You couldn’t get anything past her on first base. In 1977 her team was recognized as the very first Maryland State Slow Pitch Champions. She also liked to play backgammon, Spades and Pinochle card games with her family and friends.

Dell leaves to cherish her memory her one and only daughter, Angela Wilson and one granddaughter, JaQuanna Henderson; siblings: Loretta White, Mildred Wilson and Howard Summerville (Skip), (preceded in death are Melvin Wilson, Audrey Wilson, Calvin Wilson and Louis Wilson). A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.