Waverly Wilson

Waverly Lee Wilson, 79, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at University of Missouri Hospital-Health Care in Columbia embraced by his family. Born January 18, 1946, in Wardell, Missouri, to Leroy and Wilzetta (Harston) Wilson. He had fond memories growing up on the farm with his siblings in Wardell.

Immediately after graduating from Central High School in Hayti, Missouri, Waverly was drafted and served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany from 1965 until he was honorably discharged in 1969.  In 1969 he married the love of his life, Minnie Harris, and together they were blessed to raise their children, Marcía and Bryan, in Jefferson City. Waverly and Minnie also helped raise Minnie’s youngest sister, Deborah, who they consider a daughter. They shared over 56 years of marriage.

Waverly earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Lincoln University and dedicated over 33 years to Ameren Corporation. He was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church, where he served as Vice Chair of the Deacon Board, Past President of the Usher Board, Trustee, and proud member of the Male Chorus. Waverly was also one of the first church bus drivers, providing rides for various members and students who needed transportation to Sunday service. Waverly was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he served as Past Chapter President and Treasurer of Beta Zeta Lambda Chapter and remained an active brother. He will be honored with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Omega Service.”

As a Prince Hall Mason, Waverly held the position of Past Grand District Deputy of Missouri, achieved the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite, and was a member of Capital City Lodge #9 and Queen Consistory #109.

Waverly was a longtime supporter of Missouri sports and a devoted Mizzou fan, mainly because both of his children graduated from the University of Missouri. He was also a strong supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals. If he wasn’t building, woodworking, fixing, or tinkering, you might find him attending his grandsons’ many sporting events or his granddaughter’s dance recitals and plays, or watching the Tigers, Chiefs, or Cardinals play. He was the biggest fan of any sport, play, or activity his grandchildren were involved in. Waverly also designed the first two family homes and almost single-handedly built them, confident he could do it better himself. He was also helping or volunteering his time helping people in need. He was an extremely proud grandfather and great-grandfather, lovingly known as “Papa,” which they all called him.

Survivors include his wife, Minnie of Jefferson City; daughter, Marcía Wilson of Jefferson City; son, Bryan (Tressa) Wilson and their family, Deshjon, Devin, Dasia, and Josiah “Jojo” of Omaha, NE; seven siblings, Carolyn Joyner of Dayton, OH, Nylon (Gloria) Wilson of St. Louis, Wanda (JT) Johnson of High Point, NC, LaVaughn (Kathryn) Wilson of Jefferson City, Brenda Ethridge of Detroit, MI, Laura Morris of Wardell, and Sharon Wilson of Wardell; three sisters-in-law, Lillie Wilson of Wardell, Helen Wilson of Chicago, IL, and Evelyn Wilson of Jefferson City. He was preceded in death by his parents along with three brothers, Glen, Jerry, and Marvin.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 12, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, with a Masonic Service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation continues at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Second Baptist Church, followed by an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Omega Service” at 10:30 a.m. and the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will take place at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be directed to the Second Baptist Church Scholarship Fund.

Trimble Funeral Homes is assisting our family with arrangements.  trimblefunerals.com