Regina "Dolly" Wilson Solana

Regina “Dolly” Wilson Solana, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025. She was born on March 21, 1937, to Catherine Pellicer Wilson and Woodrow Wilson. Dolly was a native and life-long resident of St. Augustine, Florida, and was proud of her Menorcan heritage. Growing up, she attended local Catholic schools, and was a member of the Cathedral Basilica Catholic Church. She and her siblings walked to school daily, and faithfully walked to weekly Sunday, 7 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral. In 1953, she met her soon-to-be husband, Verl Solana Sr., married, and quickly started a family. She became a homemaker, loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Dolly always put her family first! She took great pride and determination in everything she accomplished. In her younger years, she enjoyed working in her yard, and would say “my grass feels like walking on carpet.” Dolly enjoyed cooking traditional Menorcan dishes and fresh, local seafood, often caught by Dolly, herself. While raising a family, she enjoyed hosting seasonal family cook-outs, spending time with her family, fishing on the Jetties, oystering, clamming, shrimping, gophering (legal then), and turtle-egging (legal then). In the mid 1960’s, she worked part-time and enjoyed meeting other housewives being an “Avon Lady.” She would always win awards and was recognized as a top sales Avon Lady in her region. Later in life, Dolly developed an interest in antiques, and it wasn’t long before she became a well-known successful antique dealer in our community. Dolly would say, “If I didn’t like doing it, I wouldn’t do it.” She would also “set-up” weekly at local flea markets, where she enjoyed talking and socializing with her customers, friends, and fellow merchandise dealers. Dolly especially looked forward to annual trips with her daughters and granddaughters, where she loved to gamble, play the slot machines, and was known as “Gamblin’ Grandma.” She loved jewelry, in which she found great pleasure in sharing with those she loved. Dolly taught her children to work hard, have pride in themselves, and be loyal to family. She would tell you that she was “plain-spoken” when she needed to be…very direct. Being around her family during special gatherings and celebrating holiday traditions, was most important to her, as well as spending quality time with her little doggie, Joy, who was always by her side. Dolly’s legacy will continue to live on and be treasured by her family. She will be greatly missed. Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine Pellicer Wilson and Woodrow Wilson; husband, Verl; son, Gary; sister, Margie Solana; and brother, Gerald Wilson (Acina). She is survived by sons, V.J., Wayne (Veronica); daughters, Paulette (Larry), Debra (Ron); grandchildren Krystie, Ashley (Joe), Austin, Summer, Cody, and David; and great-grandchildren Braedyn, Kyle, Joshua, Kaylee, Lakelynn, Landon and her newest great-grandchild, Joseph, who she loved to call “Jobie.” Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Reverend Christopher Knight officiating. Graveside services will be held immediately following the service at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, 1635 US1, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Flowers are gratefully accepted, and/or donations may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, stjude.org. Those desiring may leave messages of sympathy and encouragement by going to her tribute page at: https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/regina-dolly-solana/#!/TributeWall. Services are entrusted to St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine.

Regina "Dolly" Wilson Solana

March 21, 1937 - August 30, 2025