Betty Jean Wilson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Betty Jean Wilson, who left us peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on November 4, 1934, in Eure, North Carolina, Betty lived a life full of love, hard work, and community service. At the age of seven, Betty moved with her family to Pasco County, Florida, before later relocating to Palatka, Florida, when she was 15. It was here that her life took a fortuitous turn when she met William Paul "Red" Wilson through mutual friends, Billy and Jeanette. Their blind date blossomed into a beautiful love story that culminated in marriage on October 1, 1954. Together, they raised four children and worked tirelessly on their family farm. In addition to her dedication to agriculture, Betty made significant contributions to her community. She worked at Flagler Hospital and was a trailblazer as one of Florida's first female EMTs and a volunteer firefighter at Fire Station 13 in Riverdale, where she became the first female Fire Chief in the State of Florida. Betty was well known and loved by her community and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Hastings and the Order of the Eastern Star. Betty cherished her time spent in the mountains of Newland, North Carolina, where she and Red and their family created countless cherished memories together. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph & Thelma Lang, her husband, William Paul “Red” Wilson, her son, Scott Evan Wilson, sisters, Mary Sanderson, Joyce Chester, Dute Phillips and a brother, Joseph Thomas Lang, Jr. She is survived by sons, Thomas “Tommy” Wilson and his wife Christine, Paul Wilson and his wife Roxanne; daughter, Lynn Harris, all of St. Augustine; 15 grandchildren,12 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church Hastings with Pasto Ben D’Amico officiating. Those unable to attend can view the live-stream by going to: https://iframe.dacast.com/live/2a7a09ae1c0559a83ef537e05e6a14a6/0d926f14-3fd3-923f-c556-1f0bb777106f . Interment will follow at Pellicer Creek Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Monday, March 16, 2026 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Betty's memory to First Baptist Church of Hastings. Betty Jean Wilson will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her commitment to her community, and her pioneering spirit. Her legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jean Wilson

November 4, 1934 - March 11, 2026