Mrs. Myrtle B. Wilson

Myrtle B. Wilson was born into life on November 19, 1935. She was the eldest of four children born to the union of John David and Eunice Richardson Beatty.

Myrtle graduated from Harbison High School and attended Harbison College. During this time she met and later married Thomas L. David of Cheraw, SC. To this union a son, Thomas, Jr., was born. Myrtle and Thomas, like many of that time, moved north to Chicago for better opportunity where she found employment with the post office as a window clerk.

She met and later married Joseph T. Mims of Chicago and to their union a son, Harold, was born. Myrtle was an ambitious woman who had boundless energy. After working for Rueban H. Donnely (The Yellow Pages) for three years, Myrtle moved back home to Irmo, SC, to finish her education and be a help to her mother. Myrtle worked full time at Columbia Main Post Office and maintained a full time class schedule at Benedict College. She graduated from Benedict College, cum laude, with a degree in social work.

Myrtle took many assignments with the post office and in 1978, she made history becoming the first African American female to be named Postmaster in South Carolina. That post office was in Chappells, SC. During her commute from Irmo to Chappells, she met Clarence E. Wilson, Sr., of Newberry, SC, over the CB radio. They married later that year and enjoyed many years of traveling and entertaining family and friends.

Myrtle advanced in the post office to become Postmaster in Prosperity, SC, and then Postmaster in Irmo, SC, her hometown, where she retired in 1992. More of her achievements include becoming the first African American President of Columbia District Women’s Career Awareness Program and the first African American President of the South Carolina National Association of Postmasters. She chaired several USPS focus and task groups and was leader of numerous promotion boards ensuring that qualified employees attain their next upward mobility levels.

Myrtle was a very kind person who was anxious to help anyone, family or friend, who was trying to advance themselves in a positive manner. She will always be remembered for her refrain “bless their heart.” She was a benevolent woman and contributed to churches and organizations throughout the State.

Her husband, Clarence E. Wilson, Sr., her sister, Raye Beatty, and her daughter-in-law, Frances J. Mims, preceded her to Heaven.

Myrtle was born into eternity on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Thomas L. David, Jr., East Chicago, IN and Harold T. Mims, Chicago, IL; three stepchildren, Clarence E. Wilson, Jr., (Debbie), Simpsonville, SC, Jacqueline Wilson Cranford (Todd), Fairfax, VA, and Tony E. Wilson, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Mitchell, Stuart (Alexandra) Daniel, Dominique, Christyna Nicole, Joshua, Sydney, Sean, Averrie and Meagan; a great granddaughter, Malayah Amara; a dear brother, John D. Beatty (Ruth) of Teaneck, NJ; a sister, Gertrude Dowdy (Ernest) of Columbia, SC; nieces, Kecia B. Adjobi (Ameah) of Newton, NJ, Gina B. Sow (Abou) of Teaneck, NJ, Raye D. White (Kevin) of Coral Springs, FL, Beverly Mims Taylor (Ken) and Karen A. Brown (Brian), both of Chicago, IL; two nephews, Dr. Ernest E. Dowdy, Jr., Columbia, SC, and David Beatty, Greenville, SC.

Also cherishing a memory, a loving companion, Theodore Bowers, Newberry, SC; dear friends, Earnestine Martin, Calumet City, IL, Carolyn Seabrook and Linda Barnes, both of Columbia, SC, Marvie Quattlebaum and Loretta Redmon, both of  Irmo, SC;  Mamie Burnside, Janet Glenn and Alvena Goudelock, all of Newberry, SC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1501 College Street, Newberry, SC, PO Box 344 / Saint Matthew Baptist Church, 61 Boundary Street, Newberry, SC.

Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1501 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108 (viewing one hour prior to the service). Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.

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