Cecilie Anita Wilson

Cecelie Anita Nolan Wilson was born in Longview, Washington on a cold January 10th,1935 to Calvin and Christine Nolan. She lived in Longview until 1941 when her family moved to Salmon Creek, Washington so her father could work in the Vancouver shipyards. She met many friends in the area, and they were known as the “Salmon Creek Girls.” They remained lifelong friends. Anita loved school and all the extracurricular activities, parties, and functions. She learned to beautifully play the violin and loved to sing.

In 1950 on a blind date she met a handsome young man, Jim Wilson. They hit it off and were married April 18th, 1953. By this time Jim had joined the Navy, so they had many long separations when Jim was serving overseas. As a new bride, Anita finished high school and graduated later that year. After graduation she moved to San Diego, and they lived in Navy housing. During this time Jim was sent overseas for two more tours and Anita worked for Bell Telephone. They continued to live in San Diego until Jim’s Navy discharge in December 1955. After the war they moved back to Longview and Jim got a job with Weyerhaeuser and Anita was a dedicated homemaker. A year later their son Barry was born, and motherhood began. Four years after Barry, Diana Lynn was born on December 22, 1960 on her daddy’s birthday!

Anita was a beloved and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She brought joy to many with her cooking, baking, crafting, quilting, and sewing - even hand making many of her children and grandchildren’s clothing. She loved the outdoors and nature and found special peace and joy in some of her favorite places, including Hawaii, Mt. St. Helen’s, and Alaska. She absolutely loved the arts, and joyfully participated in choir and music ministry at her church for many years.

Those that loved and knew her best loved how she was a constant support and steady source of love, showing up and showing care in unique and thoughtful ways. Delicious and thoughtfully prepared meals, custom and expertly curated care packages, cards, letters, flowers, and phone calls "just to check in" are some of the many ways Anita shared her love to all of those around her.

Anita was a loving, caring, sweet, thoughtful individual and true servant of the Lord. She and her husband were longtime members of First Baptist Church Longview. She loved reading and learning about current events around the world. Her lifelong passion included supporting the Christian missionaries, in particular those living abroad. She would drop everything to pray for, help, and love on anyone and everyone in need. She always loved a person for the good that is in them. The Lord was who she always looked to for strength in all areas of her life. He truly was her heavenly father here on earth.

Anita was recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was able to spend her final months with many of her loved ones, eating food she loved, and having many special memories and great laughs. In her final moments she went peacefully during a prayer of peace said by a Chaplain in the arms of her loving husband Jim, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.

Anita is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, James “Jim” Hugh Wilson; her son Barry Wilson and daughter-in-law Colette; her grandchildren Zachary Wilson (wife Annie and their sons Timothy and Daniel), Aunna Nakazawa (husband Eisuke and their son Cooper), and Brooke Crisafulli (husband Mark); and her cherished feline companion Whiskers, lovingly known as “Kitty.”

She was preceded in death by her dear daughter Diana Wilson, and her parents Calvin and Christine Nolan.

Friends and family are invited to the following services:

Viewing

Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park

5050 Mt Solo Rd, Longview, WA 98632

Thursday, April 17th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday, April 18th | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Memorial Service 

First Baptist Church

747 Wheeler Street, Longview, WA 98632

Saturday, April 19th | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Reception to follow immediately after at the church