Remembering Linda Lewis Wilson: One Person -- One Teacher -- Can Make A Difference

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Linda Wilson knew she had to do something. As a 4th-grade teacher at Montclair Elementary School, she asked her students to write letters to express their feelings. Keep in mind that many, if not most, of her students were from military families -- and so they likely carried a bit of extra uncertainty, trepidation and ...questions. Mrs. Wilson made sure that all of those letters got mailed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and President George W. Bush.

In his State of the Union speech, President Bush began speaking about the outpouring of strength and resilience by the American people in wake of the attacks. Indeed, how the American people were coming together, one nation, indivisible. And, among those he specifically referenced, were Mrs. Wilson's 4th-grade students at Montclair Elementary School in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Linda Lewis Wilson was always thinking about her students, how to be the best teacher she could be. Her dedication won her the honor of Cumberland County Teacher of the Year in 1976. Years after leaving Mrs. Wilson's classroom, many of her students returned to visit their "favorite teacher." CEOs, doctors, lawyers, professional football and basketball players and pro golfers, stay-at-home Moms ... and teachers. Some brought their own children, or grandchildren, to meet Mrs. Wilson.

"It's unbelievable how one teacher could make such an incredible difference," said Melissa Wilson McIntosh, Linda's daughter. "She wanted all children to feel their worth, to know they mattered."

Linda Lewis Wilson, loving wife of John Franklin Wilson, mother to Melissa, and an educator to thousands, passed away on September 9th at her Hope Mills home, surrounded by family after battling cancer. Born on April 2, 1949, in Fairmont, Linda was 66 years old.

John says it was love at first sight when he met "his Pocahontas," who was only 12 and working the tobacco fields in the Robeson County town. John was only 14. Two years later, they would have their first date and, as they say, "the rest is history." Their love grew and matured over the years, and the two were married at White Pond Baptist Church in Fairmont, right before Christmas, on December 21, 1969.

Linda earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Pembroke State University. She was a woman who not only had a passion for teaching -- she loved beauty and embodied Southern charm. She was a longtime member of the Hope Mills appearance Commission, and was determined to make the town more beautiful. And, true to her character, she was a voracious reader, watched "Jeopardy" every night, and was a trivia whiz. She also was known for her cooking and baking, and had several of her recipes published in The Fayetteville Observer.

Linda was a devout Christian and, for decades, was a member of MacPherson Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday School for years and served on the Worship and Music Committee.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Esther Lewis, and father, Press Rufus "P.R." Lewis.

In addition to her husband John Wilson of Hope Mills and daughter Melissa McIntosh (husband John) of Fayetteville, Linda is survived by her brother, Ray Lewis (Kathy) of Gray's Creek; sister, Ann Smith (Bill) of Supply; sister, Kathy Lewis of Lumberton; nieces, Latessa Spiers of Wilmington, and Heather Lewis of Fayetteville; nephews, Jason Smith of Wilmington and Ray Lewis Jr. of Hope Mills.

Her funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2 pm in MacPherson Presbyterian Church. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, September 12, from 6 to 8 pm at Jernigan Warren Funeral Home. The family requests that memorials be made to MacPherson Presbyterian Church Building Fund 3525 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, N.C. 28303.