Laurel Willoughby Wilson

Laurel Willoughby Wilson, 85, died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her children Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort. A private family graveside and burial service will be held at the Montrose Cemetery. Daughter of Graham Paul and Elizabeth McKinney Willoughby, Laurel was born March 11, 1935 in Birmingham, AL. She graduated from Shades Valley High School, attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and graduated from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1957, receiving a B.A. degree with a major in English. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. After she married, she moved to Mobile, AL, where her four children Lisa, Howard, Gaye and Laurel Ann were born. Her friends remember her as a mother who adored and protected her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Laurel was a sustaining member of the Mobile Junior League and was a founding member of the Junior Auxiliary on the Eastern Shore. She was instrumental in the tree planting on Corridor 98. Although she lived many places in her life, Baldwin County was her heart, and she was proud of her community. The county could not have had a more determined advocate. She belonged to St. James Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the Altar Guild and the needlepoint committee. The needlework, as evidenced by the kneelers at the St. James Altar, is a beautiful testament to the countless hours Laurel stitched. Each member of the family has an exquisite Christmas stocking lovingly created by hand. Laurel was also a published author and gifted writer. She and three friends created the Coasting series on travel destinations and the definitive Mobile Mardi Gras guide! She was a voracious reader and participated in various book clubs. She had lifelong, loyal friends and was always cultivating new friendships. She loved her friends fiercely and they her. She also loved to entertain and put her energy into making the shared experiences memorable. She enjoyed her work at the Page and Palette and was a consistent and generous patron of local writers and artists. She is survived by her children Lisa Wilson Collins (Perry) of Georgetown, SC; John Howard Wilson, Jr. (Sally) of Daphne; Helen Gaye Wilson of Fairhope; Laurel Ann Wilson (Christine) of Atlanta, GA, and her grandchildren Rob, Sarah, Audrey, and Helen, as well as her great-grandchildren Lowe and Montgomery. She is also survived by her brother John Paul Willoughby (Helen) of Jacksonville, FL, and her nieces and nephews Erin, Katie, John, and their children. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the amazing caregivers who loved and supported our sweet mother. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Eastern Shore Literacy Council or to a charity close to your heart. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251) 990-7775