Mar. 11, 2005 – Much loved community activist, Liz Mary King Wilson, 81, died March 5 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Born in New York City and raised in Connecticut, Wilson was a 40-year resident of St. Croix. She had a varied career teaching, writing, and even manning the ticket counter at Antilles Airboats. She edited the Avis newspaper for three years, was a reporter for The Daily News, and taught at St. Dunstan's and the Tamarind Schools.
Wilson was instrumental in getting the law changed to make all the territory's beaches open to the public. She was a founding member of SEA, the St. Croix Environmental Association, and helped to open the island's first chapter of the League of Women Voters. She was a graduate of the University of North Carolina.
Wilson's energy and her humor were legendary, whether organizing an environmental protest or leading a political reform, she was a commanding presence. Her perseverance inspired her students, friends and co-workers to become involved in their community.
Wilson is survived by daughter, Jill Wilson; sons, Bruce Wilson and Ken Wilson; brother, Everett L. King; grandchildren, Gwen, Megan, Simone and Justin Thompson of San Francisco; grandchildren, Zavira and Kenny Wilson of St. Croix; daughters-in-law, Becky and Mathilde Wilson; son-in-law Monty Thompson; special friends, Mary Simpson, Pat Welcome, Jan Henle, Bill Jordan, Loretta Piggott, Jane Edwards, Mike Walsh and many, many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention.
A memorial service will be announced soon.
