Honoring Jewell Wilson

On Tuesday, December 12^th, more than 50 people gathered to honor the life and service of Ms. Jewell Wilson. She began working for Social Services on July 6^th, 1955 until her passing in September, more than 68 years in total.

During her time at the County, she witnessed the creation of Food Stamps, Medicaid, and Child Support programs. “I took the very first Child Support payment. I deposited it into the bank and then wrote the client a check for their payment,” she said in an interview as a featured employee in July.

Dr. Eric Davis, the County’s Employee Support Manager, opened the service and spoke about Jewell’s dedication to the community and her family. “Her life has been purposefully placed to mingle with ours, and we have all benefited from having known Jewell,” said Dr. Davis.

She was known for her caring nature, gentle presence, and words of wisdom for the people she worked with and served in our community who were in need. Ms. Wilson said, “I like working with the people here because they are caring, concerned about others, and helpful. You couldn’t do this job without special people like the ones who work here.”

Toward the end of the service, friends and coworkers shared fond memories and stories of their time with Jewell.

A Flowering Dogwood and memorial plaque, donated by the Laney Family, has been planted in front of the Public Health and Social Services building to honor her and her many years of service.