Elsie Ann (Patricia) Jones Wilson, 90, of Newberry, South Carolina, died peacefully on October 17, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 1, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Elmer M. and Elsie Ann Biller Jones. She was married for over forty years to James H. Wilson.

Pat, a University of Missouri graduate, began her career as a college professor at Bemidji State College in Bemidji, MN. After her family moved to Newberry in the late 1960s, she began teaching at Newberry College. After a few years, she was promoted to Dean of Students. She was Newberry College’s first female dean of students.

One of Pat’s core beliefs was that every individual deserved respect and representation. This belief led her to the founding of the Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. Starting the program from the basement of the “old hospital,” she built the program into a service for all special needs individuals from birth to senior citizens. She was very proud of the program.

In her retirement years, she enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family, volunteering at the opera house, and playing bridge.

Patricia is survived by a daughter, Jana Wilson Jayroe (Art) of Little Mountain, SC; son, Scott Wilson (Sherry) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, James A. Jayroe (Victoria) of Seneca, SC, Susannah Katherine Jayroe of Cincinnati, OH, and Bridget K. Wilson of Central, SC; great-grandchild, Josephine Jayroe, with another great-grandchild arriving shortly.

In addition to her husband and parents, Pat was predeceased by her half-sister, Marjorie Vera Jones Brocken; half-brother, William Jay Jones; and brother, Elmer Michael Jones, Jr.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of one's choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Bernardo Hospice Care and Springfield Place for their kind, caring support.

Memories and condolences can be shared here on her tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia Wilson.