Ms. Retha Louise Wilson

Retha Louise Wilson, a devoted Christian, loving mother, dedicated educator, and cherished matriarch of Fort Worth’s Southside community, entered this world on November 14, 1962, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born to Jimmy Dean Browning and Genice Elisher and was the fourth of nine children and the eldest of five daughters.

From an early age, Retha possessed a gentle spirit, calm demeanor, and servant’s heart. She was naturally nurturing and often entrusted with caring for her younger siblings-a responsibility she embraced with pride and love. Even as a young girl, she exhibited the qualities that would define her life: compassion, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Retha’s nurturing and benevolent spirit remained the cornerstone of her life’s work. Her generosity extended far beyond her family and friends, touching countless lives through her career, her ministry, and her service to the community. She was the type of person who never met a stranger and always had room in her heart and at her table for one more child in need.

Her spiritual foundation was deeply rooted in the church. Alongside her family, she began her Christian journey at Crawford Street Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Floyd Dancer. She later worshipped at Community Missionary Baptist Church under Reverend F.R. Jenkins, joined Eagle Nest under Reverend V.C. Jenkins, and ultimately returned home to Community Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Robert J. McGinty, where she faithfully served until the Lord called her home.

Retha graduated from R.L. Paschal High School with the Class of 1981. It was there, through the Child Development Program, that she discovered her passion for caring for children. What began as a classroom interest blossomed into a lifelong mission. For more than 35 years, she was a beloved childcare provider and business owner of Giving Tree Day Care & later she changed the Name to Like My Own Childcare Inc in the heart of Fort Worth’s Southside. She became much more than a daycare owner, she became a pillar of the community, a trusted mentor, and a second mother to generations of children and families. To many, she was simply “Ms. Retha,” a constant source of love, guidance, discipline, and encouragement.

After meeting in high school, Retha married the love of her life, Mitchell Wilson. From this union, three children were born: Michaela, Mitchell III, and Michaella. Although the marriage later ended, their love and shared commitment to family remained an important chapter of her life.

Because of her extraordinary love and dedication to children, Retha opened not only her home but also her heart to others, adopting and raising eight additional children. Her life was a living testament to her belief that family is built through love, sacrifice, and unconditional care.

Retha’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she shaped and the immeasurable love she poured into her family and community. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her homegoing: her children, Michaela Chambers (James), Mitchell Wilson III (Antoinette), Michaella Wilson (Temeaka), Jaylan P., Ayanna W., JaShayla E., Luis M., Abigail M., David R., Yandel R., and Dalizza R.; eleven beloved grandchildren; her Best friends: Mitchell Wilson Jr., Sheryl West.

She is also survived by her loving mother, Genice Browning; her siblings, Elijah Elisher, Vernon Ray Elisher, Jimmie See (James), Helen Sanders (Ed), Demetria Elisher, Barbara Browning, and Ricky Browning (Cherresa); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Retha was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Dean Browning, and her maternal grandmother, Georgia D. Elisher.

A woman of faith, strength, and immeasurable love, Retha Louise Wilson leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years alone. She was a matriarch, a community leader, and a mother to many. Her life reminds us that the greatest purpose is found in serving others, and her love will continue to live on in every child she nurtured, every life she touched, and every heart she inspired.