Carol Shirley Wilson

Carol Shirley Wilson was born on January 7, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, to Edward L. Jefferson and H. Bertha Jefferson. She entered eternal rest on August 2, 2026. Carol touched countless lives within her family, friendships, and communities. She was a generous friend, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, blessed with an ability to connect with people from every walk of life. Her compassionate and empathetic heart was one of her greatest gifts. Carol shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Carl C. Wilson. Together, they raised their two children and made their home in Highland Park, NJ for more than fifty years.

Carol attended Robert Treat Elementary School and later graduated from Central High School in Newark, NJ. In 1976, Carol relocated to Nürnberg, Germany, with her family, where she worked as a teacher's aide for special-needs children in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe (DoDDS-EUR) system. Upon returning to the United States, Carol earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 1983, fulfilling a lifelong commitment to education and learning. She dedicated many years to serving as a substitute teacher in the Highland Park, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and East Brunswick public school systems. Her passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom. Carol transformed the basement of her Highland Park home into a small classroom, providing one-on-one tutoring to neighborhood children and anyone in need of extra support. Teaching was always close to her heart, and she found great joy in encouraging others to reach their fullest potential.

In addition to her love of education, Carol was a talented seamstress who took great joy in designing and sewing beautiful creations for herself, family, and friends. She also loved baking and was especially known for her delicious Oatmeal Scotchie cookies, whose warm aroma filled her home and brought comfort to all who visited. Carol was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of New Brunswick, where she generously volunteered her time and talents. She was a former member of the National Audubon Society. Alongside her dear friend, Loretta, she spent time attending guided birdwatching walks and cherished the peaceful moments they shared together. Above all, Carol treasured time with family and friends. Whether attending plays and concerts, vacationing, or simply gathering in laughter and fellowship, she created memories that will be cherished for generations.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Edward L. and H. Bertha Jefferson; her brothers, Richard Jefferson, Lawrence Jefferson, and Thomas Jefferson; and her sisters, Doris Goode and Barbara Hebron. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Carl C. Wilson; her children, Carl (Kyle) Wilson, Jr., and Gail Wilson-La Rue (née Ron); her grandchildren, Trey Wilson and Anya Wilson; her sister, June Jefferson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the National Audubon Society in Carol’s memory, honoring her love and appreciation for nature and birds.  Please see the donation link and the mailing address below.