William Irby Wilson was born December 22, 1940 in Blackstone, VA to Irene Wilson Parker. He was raised in Norfolk, VA and educated in Norfolk’s Public School System. He met and married the person he lived the rest of his life with, Carolyn Henry Wilson.Irvin started his musical career in Norfolk, VA at a very early age, and performed with many musical groups over the years. He moved to Maryland in the early 70’s, joined Gethsemane UMC where he became a faithful musical vessel, singing and touching the lives of many people while spreading the gospel and the name of Gethsemane throughout many communities. Known as the Gethsemane Trio, the Voices of Gethsemane received many awards and accolades. Irvin was instrumental in teaching techniques of close harmony to many vocal groups.Irvin worked for Giant Food Warehouse and retired after 34 years. He enjoyed his retirement everyday. He loved his cars and his clothes (isn’t that right Rev. Shockley) and he loves his grandchildren and all the family kids.He is preceded in death by his father William Parker and brother, Lorenzo Parker. He is survived by 3 children; Michelle Tatem, Ivan Wilson and Elvin Wilson. He also leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Thelma Fitzgerald (Benjamin), Vanessa Ridley (Dudley) and one brother, Thomas Parker; Grandchildren, Lafayette Tatem, Tyanita Thomas, Tyanette Painter, Robert Tatem, April Tatem, Tia Ray, Shantae Crenshaw, India Wilson, Imonni Wilson, Elena Foster and a host of nieces, nephews, and great, great-grandchildren. He leaves a special aunt and uncle, Morris and Anita Wilson, special friends, John and Gail Blake, Billy and Sharon Stewart, Dorothy Stubbs and all of his Gethsemane family.Service will be Saturday July 3, 2010, 10 am, Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 910 Addison Road South, Capitol Heights MD 20743
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