Carolyn Wilson Obituary

Carolyn Joan Wilson

April 7, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Carolyn Joan Wilson, 73, Johnson City, died Monday, April 7, 2025, at her home following four months of complications following a surgical procedure.

Joan was a native of Marion, NC, where she lived until moving to Johnson City in 1967, where she lived most of her life. Joan was a resident of Memphis for eight years while her husband, David, finished his medical education. While there, she gave birth to their daughter. They then resided in Rochester, MN for one year while he completed his Fellowship with the Mayo Clinic, before returning to Johnson City.

Joan is a daughter of the late William Gilliand and Pauline Moody.

She was a 1970 graduate of Science Hill High School, where she was Captain of the Majorette Squad for two years. Joan then received her Bachelor Degree from ETSU under a Law Enforcement Grant in 1973, and her Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Virginia in 1994.

She formerly worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer to satisfy the terms of her Law Enforcement Grant, and in Social Work as a Foster Home Counselor, both in Memphis. After returning to Johnson City, she worked as a Realtor.

Joan was an avid reader, and enjoyed writing short stories and travelling.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Gilliand, who died in the Vietnam War.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of fifty-two years, Dr. David M. Wilson, who was her high school sweetheart. Joan and David dated for four years prior to their marriage, with their first date being on February 7, 1969, a date which they celebrated each year. She is also survived by their loving daughter of forty-five years, Erika Wilson, and her partner, Martin Clifford; her sister, Kaye Huddleston, Memphis; her nephew, Drew Lonon, Portland, OR.

The funeral service for Joan will be conducted Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 4:00 P.M., in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Chaplain Stephen Collins, officiating.

There will be no formal visitation, however, the family will greet friends immediately following the service.

There will be a graveside committal service Monday at 2:00 P.M. for the family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Wilson family. (423)928-6111