Southeastern remembers alumna Gena Wilson

Wilson received her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. Following college, Wilson pursued her Master of Arts in biblical counseling and graduated in 2011 from SEBTS. 

Wilson also served faithfully with the International Mission Board (IMB) for 23 years in Glasgow, Scotland, where she worked with youth. In 2013, the IMB created a video highlighting Wilson’s ministry in Glasgow, which can be viewed here. 

“I first met Gena while leading a SEBTS mission trip in 2014,” said Stephen Eccher, assistant professor of church history and Reformation studies at SEBTS. “The thing that stood out the most to me about her was her deep and abiding love for the people of Scotland.” Eccher recounted Wilson’s willingness to love and serve the marginalized of the city. 

Wilson was known for saying, “The best is yet to come,” Eccher recalled, noting that her joy and whit added to the lifegiving influence she had on the Scottish people. In 2011, Wilson was diagnosed with stage four cancer while in the United States. Yet, even through battling two bouts of cancer and intensive chemotherapy, Wilson continued to serve in Scotland. 

“I can’t help but to think of how Gena’s final days in the darkness of Scotland stood in stark contrast to the brilliance and light of the Son, into whose presence she is now enjoying,” he said. “Gena’s ‘best is yet to come’ has now been fully realized in the presence of her savior.”  

IMB President Paul Chitwood gave tribute to Wilson’s legacy on Twitter on Tuesday, May 14. He wrote, “Yesterday, Southern Baptists lost one of our faithful @IMB_SBC missionaries. Gena Wilson shared Christ with European peoples for over 2 decades. We celebrate her life and her welcome Home.” 

Wilson was born to Betty Barton and Glenn Wilson in Livingston, Tennessee on November 3, 1967, but spent her childhood in Beaufort. 

Wilson is survived by her parents; her sister, Glenda Londono; her brother, Greg Wilson; her nieces, Jessica McClamb, Brianna Londono and Carley Wilson; her nephews, Kyle Wilson, Luke Londono and Christian Londono; her great nieces and nephew Presley, Riley and Renley McClamb; and other aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A memorial service will be held in Wilson’s honor May 18 at 2 p.m. at the Baptist Church of Beaufort. Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

*Photo by IMB staff