Alma Arlene Mabry Wilson

Mrs. Alma Mabry Wilson, 98, of Portsmouth, VA, passed away on November 4, 2025, at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Alma was the seventh of eight children, born to the late Irene Smith Mabry and Walter E. Mabry, Sr., on October 16, 1927, in Norfolk, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Rudolph V. Wilson, Sr., and her granddaughter, Nicole Wilson; three sisters, Charlotte Mabry Williams, Irene Mabry Brooks, and Norma Mabry Watson; four brothers, Bernard Mabry, James Mabry, Dennis A. Mabry and SFC Walter E. Mabry, Jr.; grandparents, Henry and Margaret Mabry; James Sr. and Mamie Smith. Left to cherish her memory are her loving son, Mr. Rudolph V. Wilson, Jr. (Christine) of Portsmouth, VA; a devoted daughter, Mrs. Joan Wilson Goodrich (Michael) of Chesapeake, VA; two grandchildren, Ms. Candace M. Goodrich of Richmond, VA and Mr. Darren Wilson (JoAnn) of Portsmouth, VA; five great grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, a great-grand dog, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Alma was educated in the Norfolk Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1946. Her first jobs, after high school, were at Woods Drug Store and part-time work at the U.S. Post Office. She taught preschool in Norfolk for several years and became a stay-at-home mom for the next 10 years. Alma later returned to the workforce as a custodian with Portsmouth Public Schools to assist with her daughter Joan’s college tuition. She retired in 1990 from Portsmouth Public Schools after 20 years of service. Alma loved her Lord and her family. She married the love of her life, Rudolph, and remained married for 52 years until his death. Her home was always immaculate, and her positive attitude and sense of humor made visiting her a special experience. Alma loved to laugh and spent no time complaining about her circumstances. She was the favorite aunt to her nieces and nephews, the comedic sister, and the loving friend to those who knew her. She loved to travel and spend time visiting friends and family all over the country. She loved crocheting, playing board and card games, especially Phase 10. A caregiver herself, her greatest joy was taking care of her husband, children, grands and any family member in need. Even in her seasoned years, she felt blessed to be able to help care for her mother and both her sisters during their illnesses. Sister Alma was a lifelong member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA, where she accepted Christ and was baptized in 1935. She served as an Usher from her youth until she could no longer stand. Alma was a member of the Women’s Missionary Ministry and was president of Coppage Bible Class for over 40 years. While we have no doubt that God called her home, and we believe that she has joined her family already in Heaven, we still weep. Even Jesus wept. One writer explained that “He wept because knowing the end of the story doesn’t mean you can’t cry at the sad parts”.

Alma Arlene Mabry Wilson

October 16, 1927 - November 4, 2025