Estella Mae Peterson Wilson earned her wings on Saturday morning November 15, 2025 at the age of 97 surrounded by loved ones.

Estella was born February 24, 1928 in Plaquemine, Louisiana to the late Joseph Peterson and Gertrude Howard Heath. Estella met the love of her life, Jewell Wilson while they were both students at Dayton Ohio's Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. But no - it was not love at first sight - it was their love of music that brought them together. They sang together in the high school choir, in professional singing groups (The Paul Roberts Singers, The Robert Alexander Singers, Brother James' Sweet Chariot Choir, The Daytonian Chorale and also as a duet over the years in churches throughout the region.

On June 23, 1945 Jewell and Estella were joined in marriage by Jewell's father, the late Rev. Jerome W. Wilson, pastor of First Wesleyan Methodist Church, at the family residence on Germantown Street. Upon moving to Dayton as a young lady, Estella, her mother Gertrude Heath, and Estella's grandmother Leola Howard became members at Tabernacle Baptist Church, but after attending both Tabernacle and Wesleyan on alternating Sundays Estella decided to unite with her husband's family church, First Wesleyan Methodist. Married for 71 years until Jewell went to glory in 2016, Jewell and Estella worked together, singing, directing choirs, and praising God in song. Up to the day of her rise to glory, Estella has been under the church leadership of Reverend Dr. Terry L. Hill; 7 years at First Wesleyan Methodist Church followed by 59 years at Freedom-Hill Bible Church.

Estella retired with 33 years of dedicated service to the United States Government in 1989. While employed at the Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC), Estella was director of the DESC Choral; well-known throughout the Dayton area for their beautiful music. Estella also was an Equal Employment Opportunity Representative for the Procurement Directorate. After retiring from the Government she worked within the Dayton Public School System for 15 years. She held all offices at Club Council Region of Descerette Toastmistress Club (later renamed International Training in Communications (ITC)), winning 1st place trophies over the years for her speeches. For relaxation Estella enjoyed reading, spending time with family - and she loved playing cards - especially Duplicate Bridge - winning awards for her multiple wins! She was a gifted seamstress as well as a superb cook - we will truly miss her potato salad, pound cake and homemade rolls.

Estella was classically-trained at her alma mater which culminated in her receiving The Marian Anderson School of Music scholarship. Yes, Estella had an amazing beautiful soprano voice! Soloing extensively and elegantly throughout her lifetime, she was well known throughout the city as a musician who loved sharing her gift - she was a true virtuoso soloist as well as a musical mentor to her family.

As Estella aged gracefully, she always showed courage in facing her life challenges with a smile despite any discomforts. Estella came out the heroine and stayed strong until God called her home. Estella Wilson dearly loved her family! She was an extremely caring, brave and compassionate woman who lived out her faith daily! She would want to be remembered as a woman who gave from her heart: never judging anyone as she had compassion for everyone.

Estella is preceded in death by her parents; Joseph Peterson and Gertrude Heath; sister, Gwendolyn Heath Davis and brother, Robert Heath.

Left to cherish and honor her memory are her children: Helena Green, Judith Norvell (Ronald), Lillian Chambliss (Leroy), Jewell E. Wilson, Jr. (Monica). 9 Grandchildren; Geneva Jordan (Daniel), Jaleen Green, Melody Howell, Marcya Jackson (Jonathan), Ayanna Franzen, Aaron Chambliss (Kathy), Aaron Wilson (Ginnene), Anthony Wilson (Amanda), Kasheia Wilson. 23 Great-grandchildren and 41 Great-great grandchildren. Sister; Patsy Hill. Brothers; William Heath, Walter Heath (Barbara). A 'host' of nieces and nephews, her Pastor Rev. Dr. Terry L. Hill and her church family, her 'sister-friend' Lucille Tyree; as well as numerous dear friends.