Mary King Wilson

COLUMBIA – Mary Dolores (King) Wilson, 72, of Columbia, SC, passed away suddenly on March 13, 2016. Mary was born on September 17, 1943, in Limerick, Ireland, to the late Jack and Margaret (Kelly) King. At age 17, she moved to London, England for work. There she met Roland Wilson, who was stationed at Alconbury while serving in the U.S. Air Force. They married in England on May 11, 1963, and soon after settled permanently in the U.S. Together they raised three daughters, Kelly, Barbara, and Robin, and innumerable family pets.Mary lived her life fully in the love of family while also enjoying a successful career in banking. Mary possessed an uncommon love, empathy, and understanding for others. She was a rock we relied on when life presented difficulties. In 2008, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She refused to let cancer win or define her, insisting courageously on returning to work a few months later.Mary retired from Bank of America in 2010, after 30 years of service. She successfully defeated breast cancer again in 2012. Mary faced all challenges with courage and diligence. No goal was unattainable and she always rose to the occasion. To all who knew her, Mary was confident, able, witty, and kind. She was a patient listener, a source of thoughtful advice, and an inspiration of strength and character. She set the standard for a loving, devoted wife and mother to her family, as well as a trusted friend to so many. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Margaret. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Roland Wilson of Columbia, SC, and their daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Michael Cornelius of Lincoln, NE, Kelly Wilson and Dr. James B. South of Milwaukee, WI, and Robin Wilson and Mark Webb of Columbia, SC. She also leaves her cherished dogs, Charlie, Sadie and Willie who have been such an important part of her family. In Ireland, she is survived by: her sister, Breda (King) Madeley, husband Roger; brother, Denny King; nieces, Jackie, Marguerite, Debbie and their families; nephews, Leonard, Richard, Austin, and Gerard. In the U.S., she is also survived by sisters-in-law, Faye (Knight) Brock, husband Benny, Iris (Knight) Thompson, husband Donny; brother-in-law, Joseph David, niece, Rolanda (Brock) Goree, and their families of Alabama. Mary's family thanks all her friends who have been so supportive over the years. We will forever be grateful for your kindness and compassion. In celebration and gratitude for her life, an informal memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, Temples-Halloran Funeral Services, 5400 Bush River Rd., Columbia SC 29212. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to Pet's Inc., 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170.