Sharon L. Wilson

WILSON, Sharon L., age 84, of Centerville, and formerly of Bellbrook, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Bethany Village in Dayton. Born at home on October 22, 1940, to Gilbert and Virginia (nee Dean) Philpot of Cawood, Kentucky, Sharon moved to Dayton in 1942, part of the hillbilly migration to the area during WWII. Sharon's parents divorced in 1946, and she moved around often, rarely going to same school two years in a row. She loved reading, theater, politics, and religion. She graduated from Fairborn Baker high school in 1958. Sharon’s strong faith as a Roman Catholic became a defining part of her life, converting at the age of 18. Though the Catholic Young People’s Club, Sharon met a young Air Force Officer, named Jack Wilson. They married in 1961. Sharon and Jack lived a military officer’s life, moving ten times in eight years, living two and a half years in Japan and having Jack deployed for ten months in the Vietnam War. They came back to Dayton for good in 1973, four kids in tow to be near family. After being at home with her children, Sharon went on to earn her BA in Anthropology (Magna Cum Laude) as well as MA in History from Wright State University. Sharon worked as a records manager for Reynolds & Reynolds and Sencorp for nearly ten years. Her education and training also allowed her to contribute her expertise to several local organizations. Sharon was an active member of the Miami Valley Garden Railway Society since 1992, serving as president for two years. She volunteered at EnterTrainment Junction for 15 years and also gave her time to the Greene County Archives. Additionally, Sharon was a member of the Greene County Genealogical Society and the Red Hat Society. Known for her intellect, vast knowledge of history, and a vocabulary that would leave others in awe, Sharon was passionate about genealogy. She was especially proud to trace her family’s history back over 200 years and enjoyed sharing fascinating stories of her ancestors and the communities they once called home. Her incredible storytelling abilities extended to fictional tales, crafting wonderfully entertaining stories for her children. She was an avid reader of mystery novels and treasured her collection of books. Alongside her husband Jack, Sharon was very dedicated to garden railroading. They spent countless hours building intricate and elaborate train displays both at home and throughout the community with the Miami Valley Garden Railway Society. Sharon was very proud of their backyard train layout that wove through a large mountain, complete with beautiful water features. This impressive display was enjoyed year round from the comforts of their patio room. Meticulous in her craftsmanship, Sharon had a knack for making detailed plastic figures, which were perfect accents to the displays. Some of her work was proudly displayed at EnterTrainment Junction for over a decade. Trains, miniatures, and dolls were some of her most prized possessions. Sharon was a strong woman and firm in her beliefs while also exuding warmth and positivity. She had a remarkable ability to bring joy to others through her jokes and infectious laughter. Her devotion to her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She and Jack cherished hosting family gatherings in their home. For over 40 years, their house became the place for creating lasting memories, particularly at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and birthday celebrations. Of her many life endeavors, her husband, children, and grandchildren brought her the most pride and joy. Sharon was preceded in death by her grandson, Jack Wilson; her parents, Gilbert Philpot and Virginia Drocoaplus; and two sisters, Joyce Fabian and Doris Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, John “Jack” Wilson; four sons, David Wilson, James (Julie) Wilson, Daniel (Christine) Wilson, and Jon (Juliet) Wilson; eleven grandchildren, David, Molly, Mary, Lily, Joseph, Madeline, Nicholas, Maria, Christian, Katasha, and Olive; and one great-grandchild, Helios. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 5, at Conner and Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, March 6, at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Centerville, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Father Brian Phelps will be officiating. Condolences to the family may be made at www.connerandkoch.com.

Sharon L. Wilson

October 22, 1940 - February 27, 2025