Wilson, Epsie Rike

Epsie Rike Wilson, 110, of Radford, Va., died at Wheatland Hills Retirement Center, Saturday, February 7, 2009. She was born February 25, 1898, in Randolph County, Randleman, N.C., to Samuel M. and Roella B. Rike.

She was the widow of Ambrose Wilson, native of Radford. She was educated at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro and later held a position with the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in the payroll department. After coming to Radford in 1922, she was associated with her husband in the business of Wilson’s Office Supply, Inc.

Active in World War I and World War II as a Red Cross volunteer as well as many activities in Grace Episcopal Church. She was the first woman to be elected to serve as a vestry person on which she served two three-year terms, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir for 50 years. She was a member of the Golden Girls P.E.O.

Survivors include one daughter, Betty Wilson Thompson, of Covington, Va.; two grandsons, James and John Thompson; one goddaughter; one godson; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. David Rose officiating. Interment will follow in Central Cemetery. Arrangements by DeVilbiss Funeral Home and Cremation Service.