Dateline: Spruce Pine, NC

Lela Belle Wilson passed away January 16, 2018, her 103 ^rd birthday.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 69 years, Howard W. Wilson and brothers Homer and Jack Wilson.

She is survived by daughters Elizabeth McKinney (Ronald) Margaret Watkins (Charles).  Her grandchildren are Lauren Watkins, Adrian Watkins, Brian McKinney Craig McKinney, Eric McKinney and Alan McKinney.  She has eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Wilson was born in the Snow Creek community and educated at Ledger Elementary School, Bowman High School and Asheville Normal School.  She began a 45 year teaching career in a one-room school in Bandana and taught at Ledger, Bowman and Deyton Elementary Schools.  She received many awards during her long career and was especially proud of the numerous expressions of love received from students and former students.

Mrs. Wilson was always active in her church and community.  She was a member of Eastern Star and Delta Kappa Gamma.  She enjoyed reading, painting and traveling.

Lela Belle Wilson's greatest attribute may have been her devotion to family members, friends and acquaintances during the long span of her life.

Burial will be at the Snow Hill Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. January 20, 2018; followed by a Memorial Service at Central Baptist Church, of which she was a member in Spruce Pine, 4:00 p.m. led by Reverends William Ellis and Jody Griffin.

The family will receive friends after the service.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice and Palliative Care.

Henline-Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the family.