Ellen Beam Wilson
Ellen Beam Wilson, 91, formerly of Washington, died at 12:16 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, in her home in Apex, N.C.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Allen Wilson, Jr., of 55 years.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Dallas, N.C., one of five children of the late Charles Flanner Beam and Clara Lineberger Beam.
A Washington resident from 1957 to 2010, Mrs. Wilson graduated from Dallas High School, Dallas, NC. A graduate of Charlotte Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Charlotte, NC, she carried the title of Registered Nurse following successful examination of the North Carolina Board of Nurse Examiners. Mrs. Wilson later graduated from California State College, California, PA, achieving a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a concentration in Public Health. She served as a Registered Nurse in several venues including gerontology at the Washington Hospital Extended Care Facility formerly known as The Manor.
She was known as a loving, caring nurse who was “not afraid to get her hands dirty.” Mrs. Wilson served at the Intermediate Unit, Western Center School and Hospital, Canonsburg, until her retirement.
A member of the Church of the Covenant from 1957 until her death, Mrs. Wilson faithfully attended services and supported the church all through the years and after moving from Washington to North Carolina. Mr. Wilson, a lifetime member of the church, served as Deacon, Elder, and Trustee.
An avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan, she enjoyed traveling, golf, puzzles of all kinds, and playing card games with her grandchildren. A devoted wife and mother, she loved spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her three daughters, Anne Wilson Hemingway (David Coles), Janet Wilson and Joan Wilson Bentley; grandchildren, Katherine Rumpel (Ian), Karin Hemingway, and Alex Bentley; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lorene B. Mahon; and brothers, Joe N. Beam, Albert C. Beam, and Calvin M. Beam.
Family and friends are welcome and will be received from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 at Washington and Jefferson College Chapel, Old Main, 5 South Lincoln Street, Washington. Private interment will be in Washington Cemetery. Donations to a favorite charity or Washington and Jefferson College are requested in lieu of flowers.