Darla "Mrs. Shoebox" Jean Wilson

In lieu of flowers, Darla requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child by filling or sponsoring a shoe box or two or donating to Bible Couriers International. Both organizations that she held dear to her heart. Click the links below (at the bottom) to learn more about Darla's incredible work and donate to the mission of your choice. Note: please disregard the “flower arrangement” button on this page, it comes with the website and we couldn't delete it! 

Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child - https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/darla-ms-shoebox-wilson-s-memorial-fund/11529

Bible Couriers International - https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/darla-ms-bible-smuggler-wilson-s-memorial-fund/11555

The family would like to invite anyone to share their stories, pictures, video's and memories of Darla here at mykeeper.

Darla Jean Wilson, born on October 13, 1936, in Redding, California, to her loving parents Jordan Thomas Henry and Charity Mae (Allen) Henry, entered the arms of her Savior on September 27, 2024. She was one of three daughters, all dearly loved by their family. She is survived by her three children: Bonnie Suzanne Giles, Cynthia Annette Stevens, and Fredrick Le Roy Wilson Jr., and their families including seven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Her early education took place at the Pine Street School, in Redding, California, where she attended from elementary through eighth grade and enjoyed being part of the school band and Copycats Dance Troupe. She later graduated as part of Shasta High School’s Class of 1954. During her high school years, she was an active member of the band, playing the clarinet, and excelling in her studies, graduating a year early.

Her faith journey began at First Baptist Church on Eureka Way, in Redding, where she attended services with her family and was active in BYF (Baptist Youth Fellowship) as a teen. She dedicated her life to Christ as a young girl, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to her faith. This devotion led her to pursue a calling in nursing and ministry, shaping her life in profound ways and the lives of countless people along the way.

During high school, Darla took her first job as a window dresser at Sprouse Ritz, working to fund her dream of becoming a nurse, in addition to earning a local scholarship. She began nursing school at Los Angeles County General Hospital’s School of Nursing at just 17 years old and graduated in 1957, starting her nursing career in labor and delivery to help fund her attendance at Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1959.

During her time at Multnomah School of the Bible, she met the love of her life, Fredrick Le Roy Wilson Sr. They were married on August 21, 1959, by Reverend Cady at First Baptist Church. Their love story was marked by deep devotion and partnership, spanning nearly 38 years until Fred’s passing on March 9, 2000. Together, they raised three beloved children: Bonnie, Cynthia, and Lee. Their home was one filled with faith and unwavering love. A testament to her steadfastness, Darla wore Fred’s wedding band until the day of her passing, honoring him by adorning it with their birthstones and those of their children.

Her professional journey continued at Mercy Hospital in Redding, where she served tirelessly, in labor & delivery, surgical, and oncology, from 1968 until her retirement in 1996. Wanting to do more with her career, Darla pursued her Master’s in Nursing from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, graduating in May of 1992. She went on to publish a research article in a professional nursing journal, further demonstrating her dedication to the nursing profession and her desire to contribute knowledge and insight to the field. Darla continued to work as a Nurse Auditor and then a Legal Nurse Consultant for several more years before her retirement.

A woman of strong convictions and a servant’s heart, Darla dedicated her life to missions and ministry. In her 20’s she taught Sunday School. In her 30’s and 40’s while working full time she remained dedicated to her family, regularly volunteered for school activities and came to her children’s sports and extracurricular events. In the early 1980s, she helped guide teens on several missions' trips to Mexico, as the team’s nurse and a women’s Bible study leader. She courageously began smuggling Bibles into Cuba in 1993, making four trips with Fred over the next few years, bringing hope and spiritual nourishment to those desperate for God’s word. She continued to represent this mission by representing Bible Couriers International at mission conferences all over the north state. Her commitment to spreading the word of God continued with her beloved Shoebox Ministry through Samaritan’s Purse. She began her involvement in 1999 with her granddaughters and lasted 25 years. She also found joy in being a church librarian, organizing and running libraries at Destiny Fellowship and Anderson Community Church, and it was her heart’s desire that anyone without a Bible received one.

Lighthouses became symbols of hope and guidance for Darla after the passing of her husband, representing the light and hope Jesus provided her following Fred’s passing. They served as a beacon of faith and strength she sought to embody for her family. She began collecting lighthouses in various forms, and each piece in her collection represented the story of her journey, her loss, and her hope in the eternal light of Christ.

Darla leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and love. Her unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to God’s work will forever be remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

When asked how she would like family and friends to remember her, Darla said I would like to be remembered as, “A feisty little firecracker!”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved Fred, as she walks in the glory of God’s everlasting light.