August 10, 2025, 81, Goldsboro —

Mary Alice Wilson, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. She was born in Wayne County, the daughter of the late Thelma and Gurney Britt of Mt. Olive, NC. She was a member of the Mt. Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church.

In her early years, Mrs. Wilson moved away to pursue a career at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Following a successful tenure there, she and her husband returned to North Carolina to enjoy retirement, a dream that she had for many years. She found joy in simple pleasures: sharing meals, spending time with loved ones, and rocking on the front porch.

Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her husband, James Edgar Wilson; her parents, Thelma and Gurney Britt; and her sister, Shirley Britt.

No formal funeral services will be held.

She is survived by her stepson, Frank Edgar Wilson, and wife, Mary; her stepdaughter, Jennifer Ellen Mapes, and husband, Brian; one brother, Eddis Earl Britt; three sisters, Lela “Teany” Sutton, Betty Smith, and Linda Hales; three grandchildren, Christopher Wilson and wife, Amanda, Amy Ellen Walker and husband, A.D., and William Emry Mapes and wife, Julie; two great-grandchildren, Mariela Wilson and Ruby Mapes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Manley Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church, 619 Manley Grove Church Road, Mt. Olive, NC 28365,  in her memory.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com