PICAYUNE —
John Wilson and his wife Helen have shared 72 years of marriage, a business, two daughters, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren in the community of Picayune. Wilson will be 99-years-young on Monday, August 6th and says the greatest joys in his life have been his family and serving the community through his pharmacy, from which he retired four years ago.
Wilson, a Veteran of World War II, graduated from Mississippi Southern and Ole Miss, where he received his degree in pharmacy.
He opened Westside Pharmacy in Picayune, in 1953 and later on changed location and simplified the name to Westside Pharmacy.
During the time he served the community through his business, he also served in many organizations. He was the secretary of the State Board of Pharmacy; former president of the Evening Lions Club; Lifetime member of the American Legion, Mason and Shriner, served on the Picayune School Board, member of Gideons International and has served as a Deacon in First Baptist Church.
As a Lion, he was the recipient of The Melvin Jones Award and Lion of the Year among other awards. As a member of the American Legion, he is a member of the Forty and Eight which is an invitation only club for Legion elite who focus on community service.
When John Wilson was 90-years-old, he was recognized by the State Board of Pharmacy for being the oldest practicing pharmacist in the state.
Recently, the couple encountered a young woman whom John Wilson had made a distinct impression on when she was six-years-old.
Helen Wilson says, “At a recent doctor visit, one of the nurses recognized him as the man who opened his pharmacy for her in the middle of the night. She had been very ill and her mother had taken her to the emergency room at Crosby Memorial. They called John out in the middle of the night to dispense medicine for her and he was happy to go. They didn’t have pharmacies in the hospitals back then. This lady had always remembered what he did for her.”
Fellow Lion Terry Farr, says, “He was a hard worker. He used to be the top salesperson for strawberries. He is the kind of guy who you would want to be your grandparent or father.”
Long-time friend and fellow Lion J.P. Burns says, “Mr. John has been active in our church and a super person for our community. He has been active in the Lion’s club and other organizations like it. He has always been one of the most humble and kindest men I have known. Helen has always been right there at his side. You know the saying, ‘Behind every good mad is a good woman;’ well that is Helen.”
Helen Wilson has been active in her church teaching Sunday School and has served as president of Women’s Missionary Union (WMU).
The couple says, “We love our town and as we get older, we have so very much to be thankful for.”
Features
Related Photos
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John and Helen Wilson pose in front of a wall of awards John has acquired for civic leadership and service. Item photo by Jodi Marze
super senior
John Wilson, 99-years-young, with a heart full of love for his wife and community
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