Oleatha Wilson

Services to be held on Saturday, January 24 beginning at 9:30 AM at East Mt. Zion Baptist Church 9990 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44106. ___________________________________ Oleatha Wilson was born March 20, 1929 to Jeff and Rebecca Forrester, in Gifford South Carolina. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her 5 siblings, Leroy and Coy Forrester, Annie Alexander, Corinne Curtis, and Willie Brown, Oleatha completed high school and later married Elijah Wilson, her husband of 47 years prior to moving to Columbia SC and later to Cleveland in 1955. Oleatha devoted her life to Christ at a very early age, and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Gifford SC. She fellowshipped at a number of churches in Cleveland. She loved to sing and was often overheard humming old hymns. She joined East Mt. Zion on Christian experience and was baptized, April 20, 1982 Oleatha' s career has spanned from that of a homemaker to home care provider, nurse aide to conclude her career operating a home for men who were mentally challenged. Her commitment to providing care in different venues did not end at personal care but extended to influencing the thinking of citizens and politicians alike in Cleveland, Ohio. Oleatha served in leadership roles as precinct committeewoman for the Democratic Party, neighborhood club president and received many commendations, to include the Ohio House of Representatives for her dedicated efforts of responsible citizenship. Recognized as a long-time resident and community organizer, a park was created more than 30 years ago to her credit. She facilitated the development of a park from vacant lots in the neighborhood to create a safe place for children to play and for neighborhoods to interact. This park was renamed in her honor by the Union-Miles Development Corp in the neighborhood where she resided for over 40 years. On June 2, 2012, the Oleatha Wilson Park was unveiled. While rejoicing with her parents, husband and all of her siblings, Oleatha leaves this legacy, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear and devoted friends here, on earth, to celebrate her life. Rest in eternal peace dear one. You will be missed dearly but celebrated daily as we remember your laugh, those dimples, your candor, persistence and love for Christ.