Every Mae Wilson

EVERY MAE WILSON (nee Smith) age 73, beloved wife for 40 years of Elder Michael L. Wilson, Sr.; loving mother of Natalie Nicole Sharp (deceased), Deborah Wilson, Michael L. Wilson, Jr., and Anna Wilson; devoted grandmother of Kiera Nicole Wilson; cherished daughter of the late James and Katherine (nee Cunningham) Smith; survived by sisters Mae Katherine Smith, Lela Smith, and Maxine Hall; adored aunt and great-aunt of many.

Every was born on June 24, 1952 in Armorel, Arkansas and was raised in and attended high school in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was a member of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which her father, District Elder James Smith, founded and pastored. She was baptized by her father in the name of Jesus Christ, received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eventually became choir director. While she lived in Arkansas, she shared her anointed soulful voice at the Arkansas State Council events and with Pentecostal Assembly of the World (PAW) National Convention choir. She and Michael met in Arkansas during his military service there. Her southern soul food is what initially hooked him, and he never looked to another since. They married on July 8, 1986 in Blytheville and traveled for 16 years during his service to places like Japan, Texas, Guam, Oklahoma, and Alabama where she constantly served in church. Notably, Every helped Michael and Pastor Tony Harris found Hard Rock Apostolic Church (PAW) in Okinawa, Japan where she sang, led testimony service and ministered.

They eventually returned to his hometown Cleveland, Ohio with their children and lived in Willoughby Hills for 19 years before settling in Perry for the last eight years. She was an active and participating member of Bedford Haven of Hope United Pentecostal Church for 15 and a half years, first pastored by H.E. Perry, Rick Perry, and now Pastor Danny Perry, and wanted to get back on her feet to eventually return to the church that brought her great joy.

Throughout the years, Every was not only a homemaker, but she also worked in various industries stateside and internationally. Every and Michael were licensed foster parents for 20 years in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Ohio, serving as a rehabilitative home for children who needed it most. She worked for the Department of Defense in Alabama, NCO Club in Guam, was a contract cleaner in Guam and Japan with her husband, and was a teacher’s aid at Euclid High School.

She was humorous and witty with a loving, giving, and caring nature. She was self-sacrificing, fiercely protective of her family, and had an engaging spirit that drew people to her. Every was confident and assertive and was an advocate for others. She led with love and strength. Her heart bled for the less fortunate and compelled her to donate clothing, home goods, and other necessities regularly. Even after being diagnosed with advanced stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2023, and suffering the daily pains and symptoms of chemotherapy for nearly three years, Every remained a pillar in her home, firm in her faith and unwavering in her love for her family.

Truly, her greatest joys were serving and worshiping the Lord, studying the Bible, spending time with her family, cooking large meals, having fun and entertaining saints, family and friends. Her children and husband sang to her and reminded her of comforting scriptures in the hours before she parted from this life, making sure she heard the words of the Lord one last time. She leaves behind a legacy that is strong in her love for her family and the Lord Jesus, and she will be so deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of being in her presence.

Every was preceded in death by her daughter, Natalie Nicole Sharp; parents, James and Katherine Smith; brothers, James Smith, Jr., Jonathan Smith, Clarence Smith, Sr., Henry Smith, Paul Smith, Sr., Harold Smith, Cornelius Smith, and Nathaniel Smith. Sr.; sisters, Mattie Staten, Geraldine Archie, Ruby Sparks, Elaine McAtee, Emma Torrence, and Evelyn Smith.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to her Memorial Fund clicking here. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Every at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 from 10:30 AM UNTIL HER CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE BEGINNING PROMPTLY AT 12 NOON. Burial on Monday May 18 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.