Latonya Wilson, beloved daughter, sister and aunt, tireless advocate for metastatic breast cancer patients passed away surrounded by her family and friends on Saturday, August 7th. Latonya Wilson was born 23 October 1975 in Sumter South Carolina to Lucille Wilson and the late James Wilson. She confessed her life to Christ at an early age at Emmanuel Church in Sumter South Carolina. She was proceeded in death by her father, brother Isaiah Wilson, grandmother Maebell Richardson and Eva McCoy, grandfathers George Smith and James Slater; and great grandmother Rebecca Cocklin. In addition to her mother she is survived by her sister Malanda & Ellery Williams of Fayetteville NC, brothers James Lavern & Polly Wilson of Jacksonville NC and Christopher Wilson of Columbia SC. Her Godmother Patricia Brunson and God Brother Quincy Brunson.
Latonya never had kids of her own because God had a greater plan for her. Throughout her life she was not only the best Aunt in the world but a surrogate Mom for her nieces and nephews. It was as if God knew instantly how big her heart would be and the needs of her nieces and nephews before they were even born. Latonya truly loved them all as our own children. They include Tashawn Wilson of Sumter SC. Deante Wilson of Fort Gordon GA, Marques Perry and Jaquan Perry of Fayetteville NC, Isaiah Wilson of Fayetteville NC and Austin Wilson of Columbia SC.
Latonya was a 1993 graduate of Sumter High School. She joined the Army in 1993 right after high school quickly earning promotions and ultimately becoming a Noncommissioned Officer. Latonya serviced honorably for 12 years before getting out to pursuing a career as a government contractor in Afghanistan and Kuwait. While in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2006, Latonya helped to create the “Love Walk” of Freemasonry by becoming the chartered Worthy Matron of Rising Vega Chapter No. 181. She was later, personally selected by Oklahoma Jurisdiction senior leadership and elevated to the highest level within District 15 as the District Deputy Grand Worthy Matron (DDGWM). During her “Love Walk” she inspired, motivated, encouraged, taught and lead hundreds of women in the true characteristics of the biblical heroines as well as exemplified the true meaning of sisterhood.
Latonya was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2007. During treatment Latonya realized that there was not a lot of aid available at that time to assist people going through chemo treatments. Remaining true to herself and her community Latonya decided to fight and fight she did. She founded a breast cancer foundation called Cherished Hearts. Through her foundation she sought to educate both women and men about breast cancer. (Isaiah 58:10 NLT) “Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” Latonya let her light shine wherever she went. April 2016 Latonya’s breast cancer progressed to stage4 but rather than except the hand that was dealt her Latonya continued her fight. She joined breast cancer research organizations that sought to bring awareness to the rates in which people of color was contracting aggressive breast cancer such as triple negative. Rather than be a victim of breast cancer Latonya chose to become an advocate for herself and others. In her heart she knew her mission and the reason why God placed her in this struggle to help others. She was she was obedient to God’s. She often told her family and friends that she knew that God would heal her rather on this side or the other. That God had taken care of her on this side and she knew that he would take care of her on the other side.
