05/26/2026
Our condolences to our Board Member David Wilson and family on the loss of David's mother Florence Wilson.
Florence Josephine Wilson, age 100, of Inverness, passed away May 6, 2026, under the loving care of Vitas Hospice. Born October 11, 1925, in Basehor, Kansas, Florence grew up on a dairy farm with six brothers and three sisters. Florence graduated from Bonner Springs High School and attended IBM School of Business and St. Mary's School of Nursing in Kansas City.
She met and married Neil Wilson in South Central Illinois in 1946, where they farmed until 1960. They moved to Olney, Illinois, in 1960, where they built and managed a mobile home park for 10 years. In 1970, they moved to Inverness, FL, where Florence began working for the Citrus County School System. She retired in 1995 as the Executive Secretary to the Superintendent. Florence was active in many church activities with the First United Methodist Church in Inverness, and later with the First Christian Church of Inverness, where she was a member.
Florence enjoyed church activities, vacationing with family members, cooking and gardening. Her greatest joy in life was her family and the Lord.
Florence and Neil had eight children. In addition to her parents, Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Neil, infant son, Clayton, and son John. Florence is survived by her six children: Dennis Wilson and wife, Cindy, in Sharpsburg, GA, David Wilson and his wife, Saundra, in Inverness, Christie Gangler and husband Buddy in Valdosta, GA, Virginia Bawcom and husband Chuck in Inverness, Jeff Wilson and wife Doris in Inverness, and Marshal Wilson and wife Patty in Ocala. Florence is survived by 23 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, May 12, 10:00 at First Christian Church of Inverness with the Rev. Tom Thomas officiating. Burial followed at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
