In Loving Memory
Deacon Earl Wilson, Jr.
March 28, 1930 — April 23, 2026
Humphrey · Arkansas · 96 Years
Deacon Earl Wilson, Jr., age 96, of Humphrey, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center, Little Rock. He was born March 28, 1930, in Humphrey to the late Earl Wilson, Sr. and Willie Thompson-Wilson, and was raised on family land rooted in a heritage established generations before him.
A farmer, carpenter, and contractor known for his skill and steady hands, he served more than 65 years as Deacon and Head Deacon for Bayou Meto and the First Missionary Baptist Church of Humphrey. He spent over 40 years at Circle T Duck Club and led the renovation of his beloved church.
On November 18, 1948, he was united in marriage to Enola McNeal, who preceded him in death on September 21, 2013. Their union of nearly 65 years was blessed with thirteen children. In December 2023, the family gathered for a Mortgage Burning Ceremony — a joyful affirmation of land kept in the family and a heritage passed forward unbroken. On November 27, 2023, he was honored at the state capitol by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders with the Century Farm Award. In December 2024, the family celebrated 136 years as a Black family-owned farm in Arkansas.
In February 2024, during Black History Month, Jeremiah Moore came out to the family farm in Arkansas County to honor the Wilson-Thompson family on the very ground where John Wesley Thompson, born into slavery, had lived, worked, and died. He celebrated his 96th birthday on March 28, 2026, surrounded by family — a final gathering before his journey home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Wilson, Sr. and Willie Thompson-Wilson; his sister, Gracie Smith; his beloved wife, Enola McNeal Wilson; and four of his cherished children — James Wilson, Michael Wilson, Burnestine Starks, and Sharon Oates.
Survived By
JoAnn McGregor (Raymond (deceased)) · JoLinda Smith (Cortez (deceased)) · Gardenia Graham (Herbert) · James Wilson † · Carolyn Miller (Cornel) · Dr. Faye Wilson · David Wilson · Michael Wilson † · Burnestine Starks † (Rickey Jr.) · Barbara Cornelius (Gary) · Sharon Oates † (David) · Cynthia Wilson · Kathy Williams (Mansfield Everett)
And a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Family Tree
- JoAnn McGregor — Raymond (deceased)
- Mytrece
- Bobby
- Ben
- Tabitha
- JoLinda Smith — Cortez (deceased)
- Hazel
- Christopher
- Gardenia Graham — Herbert
- Octavia
- James Wilson
- Carolyn Miller — Cornel
- Daniel
- Lawarance
- Jack
- Dr. Faye Wilson
- David Wilson
- Dana
- Yalaunda
- Michael Wilson
- Burnestine Starks — Rickey Sr.
- Rickey Jr.
- Avery
- Richard
- Barbara Cornelius — Gary
- Bryant
- Ga Brina
- Sharon Oates — David
- Chantae
- Shawn
- Nicara
- Cynthia Wilson
- Kathy Williams — Mansfield Everett
- Lonnika
- Victory
- Joy
- Jeremiah
Service of Remembrance
Date
Saturday
May 2, 2026
Location
First Missionary Baptist Church
205 North Oak Street
Humphrey, AR 72073
Schedule
Lie in State — 9:00 AM
Celebration of Life — 10:00 AM