Adrianne E. (Paulus) Wilson

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for lives well lived, we celebrate the beautiful legacy of Adrianne and Richard "Bobby" Wilson, devoted partners in life, love, family and faith for more than 60 years.

Adrianne Wilson was born on January 8, 1948, in New York City to the late Ralph Paulus and Dorothy Parham. She graduated from St. Patrick Cathedral School in New York in 1966.

Richard "Bobby" Wilson was born in New York City to the late Cordelia Whethers and William Pettigrew. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Compton, California, in 1965. After graduation, Bobby moved back to New York to be with his siblings and began working at Chase Manhattan Bank on 125th Street.

Their love story began at 212 St. Nicholas Avenue in New York City. Soon after meeting, Bobby enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966. Adrianne and Bobby married in 1967 and faithfully traveled together during his military service, where they welcomed two of their children and began building the strong family foundation that would define their lives.

After Bobby's honorable discharge from the Air Force, the family returned to New York City. In 1971, Adrianne and Bobby purchased their beloved family home in Jamaica, Queens, where they created countless cherished memories.

Adrianne dedicated many years of service to St. Thomas Community School, where she faithfully worked in many capacities. Bobby worked at the family business running laundromats before working in the School Safety Department at Flushing High School, where he was respected for his dedication and strong work ethic.

In 1991, Adrianne and Bobby relocated to McClellandtown, Pennsylvania, beginning a new chapter rooted in faith, education, family, and community service. Bobby worked for several organizations throughout the years, including the Department of Welfare (LIHEAP), PIMMS, Reese's Furniture, Shamrock Produce, and Kimo's Fresh Seafood alongside family. Bobby attended LBI and earned an Associate Degree in Information Technology in 2003.

Adrianne also pursued higher education and proudly graduated from Penn State Eberly Campus in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and a minor in Sociology. Shortly after receiving her degree, she began working at City Mission in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where she faithfully served up until the day of her passing.

Faith became the cornerstone of Adrianne and Bobby's lives. Adrianne accepted the Lord first, and eventually Bobby followed, fully dedicating their lives to Jesus Christ. Together they worshipped at Mallory Chapel before following Pastor Thompson to Allen Chapel and later becoming faithful members of St. Paul's AME Church.

At St. Paul's, Adrianne served tirelessly in many ministries and leadership roles including Minister, Stewardess, Usher, member of the God's Choir and Senior Choir, Evangelism Team member, Kitchen Committee member Women's breakfast team member, flagger and prison ministry worker. She also served throughout the community with the Crime Victim Center, Local Options Team (housing), CYS and the NAACP.

Bobby also faithfully served the church in numerous capacities as Minister, Steward Pro Tem, Praise & Worship Team member, founding member and Director of the Watchmen Choir, Head Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer, Men's Breakfast Team member, and church sexton. Bobby also taught weekly bible study classes at City Mission. Together, Adrianne and Bobby were always willing to serve wherever needed, never hesitating to help others with love and humility.

Adrianne was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edward Paulus.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Leroy Johnson, William Johnson, Doloras McNair, Walter McNair, Olivia Johnson, Timothy Johnson, and Tyrone Johnson; and his nephew, Robert Johnson. He is survived by his brothers: Lionel and Ronald Whethers.

Together, Adrianne and Bobby shared the heartbreaking loss of their beloved grandsons, Semori "Skeeter" Wilson, Damani Wilson and Eli Carter Ford.

Left to cherish their precious memories are their loving children, Kimberly Rose, Semori "Kiki" Wilson (Ramona Reeves), Torrie Wilson, and Robert Wilson; grandchildren, KiShauna, Kelsea, Kierra, Kamiya, Kaleeya Tyler, Tiana, Torrie Jr, Torrian, Niasia, Anajeah Harris, Myrical, Shymere, Robert Jr., Liberty, and Kobe Wilson; 13 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Adrianne passed away suddenly at Uniontown Hospital. Bobby later passed away peacefully at home, both surrounded by family.

The love Adrianne and Bobby shared was a true example of commitment, sacrifice, faithfulness, and unconditional love. Their lives impacted countless people through ministry, community service, friendship, and family devotion.

Though they will be deeply missed, their legacy of faith and love will continue to live on in all who knew and loved them.

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