Garnett B. Wilson

Garnett B. Hancock Wilson was born in Lexington, Missouri to William Austin, and Allie (Freeman) Hancock. When Garnett was 3 ½ years of age, her biological mother died. She was raised in a loving Christian home by her father, step-mother and grandmother.

In 1936, she graduated from Douglas High School in Lexington, Missouri. She attended Western University Junior College in Quindaro, Kansas where she graduated with an Associates Arts Degree in 1938. She continued her education at Emporia State Teachers College, graduating in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.

Garnett’s long career the field of education began in 1941, her formal career as an educator began in the role of teaching principal in Norborne, Missouri in a two-room school for 1st through 10th grades. The following year she moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she remained for 39 years, shaping the minds of thousands of students at Booker T. Washington, Bruce & Yeager Elementary, and Lincoln and Paseo High Schools. She later received her Master of Arts Degree in Secondary School counseling from the University of Denver in 1951.

She became a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in 1942. A devout parishioner, she served in many capacities including; the church choir, Sunday School Teacher (for over 20 years), Chairwoman of the Re-Dedication Committee (raising funds for the church), the Trustee Board (24 years), and Memorial Wall Coordinator secretary for 22 years. Additionally she was the 1st Sunday Altar Card Coordinator, and Bible Study member.

Her civic activities include: life member of the NAACP, ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Sorority (Diamond soror, the National Education Association (NEA), and the Midwest Lay Organization of AME churches.

Garnett married Thomas D. Wilson, Sr. in 1957 and the two celebrated 40 ½ years of marriage. Her memory will be cherished by her sons; Thomas D. Wilson, Jr. of Overland Park, KS; Gary D. Wilson, Kansas City MO; and C.W. "Gator" Harvey, (Claudia) of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by her sister Auline Ray of Wichita KS; nephews Dwayne Ray and Artis Ray (Shelly) of Wichita, KS. She had four granddaughters ; Kimberly Benton of Grandview, MO, and Megan, Wilson-Krznarich of Burlinson TX, Arika Harvey, Columbus OH, Alexandria McKinney (Carl); grandsons Maurice Harvey (Lyn) Columbus OH, Kenneth Harvey (Amalia) Huntsville, AL; Anthony Harvey, Birmingham, AL. Her legacy continues with nine great granddaughters, six great grandsons, and one great-great granddaughter.

Garnett B. Hancock Wilson created a lasting legacy of service to others that continues to positively impact the lives of thousands of people and students across the nation.

Visitation will be 4-6PM, Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd. Private services and burial.

Visitation will be 4-6PM, Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd. Private services and burial.