Mary Wilson

A funeral mass for Mary Wilson, 76, of Knoxville, will be held on Friday, December 12,
2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Following the service a luncheon
will be held at the church. Burial will take place at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Long Grove,
Iowa Friday afternoon. Family will greet friends Thursday, December 11th, from 4:00
until 6:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Knoxville where a Rosary will be held
at 6:00 p.m.
Memorials in Mary's name may be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church or to the
Marion County Humane Society.
Mary was born June 12, 1949, in Adair, Iowa to James and Ruby Griffin. Mary grew up
in Adair and attended Adair-Casey High School, graduating in 1967. She then attended
Marysville College and later in life went back to School to earn credentials to be a travel
agent.
Mary met the love of her life, Dean Wilson, in Des Moines, Iowa, and on June 20, 1970,
they were united in marriage. They were blessed with two children, Darin and Renae
and enjoyed 49 years of marriage, before Dean sadly passed away in 2020.
Mary retired from the VA Hospitals in Knoxville after 21 years of service. She was a
member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and was a devoted Hawkeye fan in
basketball and football. Mary also enjoyed travelling, especially with her family.
Mary was reunited with Dean on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Cottages in Pella
surrounded by her family. Her family knows that Dean welcomed her home with wide
open arms. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean; and her parents: James
and Ruby Griffin.
She will be greatly missed by her children: Darin (Amanda) Wilson and Renae (Jacob)
Swayne; grandchildren: Griffin, Kaylee, Kaiden, Keira, Karinne, and Kam; sisters: Fran
Pearson and Kathy Wynn; along with many relatives and friends.