Albretta S Wilson

LIFE REFLECTIONS

I will bless the Lord always; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My Soul will make it boast in the Lord.  The humble will hear it and rejoice.  O Magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name.  Psalms 43: 1-3

Albretta Suzzanne Kirtley transitioned to her eternal home after several medical challenges.

She was born in Springfield, OH to loving parents, Albert B. and Lucille S. (Cummins) Kirtley.  After the demise of her father in 1945, she was raised by stepfather Amos Sims and mother.  Her parents; husband, Mannie Wilson; son, Cedric M. Glenn; brother, Lebaron Wm. Kirtley and great granddaughter, Joyce Glenn preceded her in death.

Albretta was baptized at the age of seven at Greater First Baptist Church by the late Rev. Herbert Benton.  She was always very serious about her faith, played the piano, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and ushered all through her years.  Upon arriving in Riverside, CA in 1960, she became a member of the Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church.  The late L.B. Moss was her senior pastor for over 30 years.  In 1996, Albretta joined Second Baptist Church Senior Usher Ministry under Pastor Ellsworth Gantt II’s leadership.  Here, she also coordinated the church funerals.  Albretta believed in and leaves a legacy of helping and giving to others and her community.  She was a missionary her entire life, visiting nursing homes, hospitals, cooking and serving the homeless as well as fostering and feeding stray animals.  Albretta volunteered at Ohio Valley Hospital during her stay in Springfield.  She was a cheerful giver, adopted and attended Bible classes and services at St. John Missionary Baptist, Mt. Zion Baptist and Restored Life Ministries in Springfield, OH.

After graduating from Springfield High School in 1956, she continued her education at Riverside City College, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Long Beach College and the University of California, Riverside.  Her major was accounting and she received her degree in Business Administration.  Albretta was employed as a manager at AT&T for twenty-five years, retiring in 1985.  Albretta also retired from the University of Riverside in 1996, where she was a Marketing and Special Events Directorfor the Athletic Department.  She was a traveling notary, bookkeeper and income tax proprietress for 47 years, retiring in 2009.  Albretta was also known for her love of shopping and decorating.

Albretta married again in 1985, to Mannie Wilson.  They were happily married for over 30 years.  They traveled, enjoyed life and became snowbirds in 2005.  Spending precious time with family, especially the grands and great grandchildren was her joy, always encouraging them to continue their education.  Albretta’s motto was “treat people the way you like to be treated.”  Praise and give God the glory.  Love is the greatest gift on this earth.

Albretta was affiliated with several organizations including the Prince Hall Masonic Family, N.A.A.C.P. Riverside African – American Historical Society, Red Hatters, Martin Luther King Senior Citizens Club, The Retirement Set, National Council of Negro Women, Arrowhead Elks, American Legion AuxiliaryPost 710, the Louisiana Association and Ohio Chapter of the Links Incorporated.  She worked on many Democratic campaigns in CA and OH for many years.

She had cherished memories for her devoted husband, Mannie Wilson; two grandchildren (adults), David A. (Darcie) Glenn, Denver, CO and Stormie Yeazel, Colorado Springs, CO; ten great grandchildren, Jordan M. Glenn, Fontana, CA, Josiah Stangoni-Glenn Boulder, CO, Jocelyn, Jocie and Joseph Glenn, and Deonte Fuchsgruber, Aurora, CO, Isabella and Gabriella Yeazel, Colorado Springs, CO, Gabriel and Nicholas, San Jose, CA; great-great granddaughters, Jayleen Cardenas and Elena Ramirez, Fontana, CA; sister and brother, Ethan, Ann R. Chestnut and brother, Amos Lovell Sims, Springfield, OH; great-uncle, John Willis, Lexington, KY; daughter-in-law, Ruth M. Glenn, Denver, CO; sister-in-law, Beverly Kirtley, San Diego, CA; two goddaughters, Jaime Lemell, Palmdale, CA and Breeyon Alexander, Long Beach, CA; godson, Bishop Jon Scott (Leita) Harris, Riverside, CA; adopted sister and family, Carleen (Claude) Castleberry, Springfield, OH; nieces, nephews, cousins, special cousin, Annie P. Yates, classmates, many friends and church families.  

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