BIOGRAPHY

Wilson was born as Annie Marie Alexander in Matthews, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA, on 20 April 1910, to parents Robert E. Lee Alexander (1863–1947) and Eliza Lorinna Long (1868–1949). She had four older sisters, four older brothers and one younger brother. Her paternal grandmother was born in Ireland, while her maternal grandparents were from Union County. She grew up on her family’s farm. Until fourth grade, she attended Fairview one-room schoolhouse Matthews. The schools were later consolidated, and she transferred to Matthews High School, which served first through 11th grade. Since she and her younger brother had a hard time walking to school every day, their father bought them a pony and buggy to drive to school.

Wilson graduated in 1928 and started working at the Southern Bell Telephone Co. in Charlotte. In 1929, at the age of 19, she married James Taylor Wilson (1909–1979). The couple had two children: David (born 1930) and Lorena (born 1933). When David was about 6 months old, the couple bought their first home. Her husband lost his job as a cabinetmaker during the Great Depression, and the couple moved in with her parents. They lived on her family’s farm until her husband got a job making women’s hosiery in a mill a couple of years later. Although she was a housewife for most of her life, she started working in a department store as a salesclerk once her children were old enough for school. She worked there until 1956, after which she worked with an insurance company and chemical plant for some time, eventually retiring at the age of 65. She lived in Mecklenburg County her entire life.

Her husband passed away in 1979. She lived on her own until she had a minor stroke in her 90s, after which she decided to move into a retirement community. At the age of 112, she resided at the Brookdale Carriage Club in Charlotte.

Wilson passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, on 17 August 2022, at the age of 112 years, 119 days. She was survived by her two children, 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

On 18 August 2021, following the death of 113-year-old Christine Ireland, she became the oldest known living person in North Carolina.

Upon her death, Virginia Van Peenen became the oldest known living person in North Carolina.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Annie Marie Alexander Wilson” – FindAGrave

* “’Quiet life’ is key to 101-year-old’s longevity” – The Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2011

* “Eye for fashion and fun keeps 102-year-old feeling young” – The Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2012

* “At 105, she doesn’t feel that special” – The Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2015

* “Annie Wilson Obituary” – Dignity Memorial, August 2022

GALLERY