Mary Shirlene Wilson , age 89 of Elwood, went to be with the Lord on March 18, 2025 surrounded by her family in Anderson after a long, well-lived life.  She was born January 18, 1936 in Twin, Tennessee, the daughter of Herman M. and Cora Mae (Garrett) Wilson.  Mary was proud of her Tennessee upbringing and later moved to Indiana.  She was a 1954 graduate of Alexandria High School.  Mary married the love of her life, John J. Freel, in July of 1979, and they shared 9 precious years of marriage together before his passing in 1988.

Mary was a devoted mother and wife who always cared for her family.  She worked as a fork truck driver for 31 years at R.C.A. in Marion and retired in 1998.  Later, Mary also worked part-time as a custodian for First Farmers Bank in Elwood.  Learning much from her father, she was known for having a "green thumb" and loved flowers, plants, and gardening in her free time.  Mary treasured time spent with her family and grandchildren, and she especially loved cooking delicious meals.  Her cooking ability also carried over to working in the Elwood School cafeteria as a "lunch lady" for several years.

Mary enjoyed collecting rocks of all kinds throughout her life.  She was formerly involved in the 1812 Mississinewa Reenactment Association.  Her family recounts numerous memorable vacations and trips with Mary that will never be forgotten.  The holidays were a special time to Mary, and she could regularly be seen dressed like "Mrs. Claus" during the holidays to spread a little Christmas cheer.  The impact of Mary's life on all her family and everyone who knew her is impossible to measure.  She will never be forgotten.

Mary's family includes 3 children, Daniel L. (Bonnie) Davis of Peru, Carolyn F. Tracy of Elwood, and Jo-Anna (Michael) Fleener of Anderson; special grandchildren and caregivers, Dannielle Covington and Bayleigh Hinchman; 3 siblings, William (Chris) Wilson of Phoenix, AZ, Wanda (Gerald) Huff of Anderson, and June Walker of Clark Range, TN; 9 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents; son, David G. (and wife Gloria) Davis; 4 sisters, Carolyn Wilson, Joan Wilson, Jean Wilson, and Zelda Mae Wilson; and former husband, Victor Davis.

A funeral service celebrating Mary's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Monday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.