Elizabeth "Betsy" Woodall Wilson

Elizabeth (Betsy) Woodall Wilson formerly of Baltimore, St. Michaels, and Easton, Maryland, died peacefully February 3, 2021, surrounded by her family in Fairhope, AL. She was 97 years old. Born January 4, 1924, in Baltimore, MD, Betsy was the daughter of the late Hazel Guthrie and James Holman Woodall. Betsy was in the Class of 1944 at Goucher College and married (the late) Charles A. Wilson, Jr., that same year. As a young newlywed of 19, she followed Charlie from port to port for several months during his naval career in WWII. He was the envy of his crew! Upon his return from the war, Betsy and Charlie lived in Baltimore as Charlie pursued his business career in the Charles A. Wilson & Son Co. Betsy taught school for a few years at the Friends School in Baltimore until her children were born. When the youngest child was in the fifth grade, Betsy returned to teaching at St. Paul’s School for Boys. She taught third grade for twenty memorable years and was touched by the many students who would visit her after they had graduated. In 1980, Betsy and Charlie took their boat (the Betchawil) on an excursion on the Chesapeake Bay. They said – “the children are married & the dog died, so let’s go!” They bought and renovated an antique home on the corner of “Chew & New” in St. Michael’s MD. Several years later, Betsy with her creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit rented out some rooms and their house soon became “Chew Inn”. Betsy had a lively personality, an unending drive, and strong sense of style, which lead to a second career of twenty years selling an upscale line of women’s clothing. She made quite a splash in the company as the oldest and top salesperson. Well into her eighties she was asked to give a speech to the company about her techniques and tricks of the trade. She loved getting to know people of all ages. She had a huge circle of friends both new and old from younger days. She was an avid reader, competitive bridge player, and always dressed to perfection! To her friends, family, and professional community, Betsy made an impression. Betsy was a member of Christ Church in St. Michaels, St. Andrew's Society, Talbot Country Club, Women’s Club, Miles River Yacht Club, Talbot Historical Association, Academy of the Arts, and numerous bridge groups. Eventually, Betsy and Charlie moved to Easton and became residents of the Londonderry Retirement Community, which Betsy referred to as “Waiting for God.” She had an uncanny way of planning ahead and a healthy sense of humor towards aging. After her husband died at 91, she continued to stay active traveling to see her children and friends up and down the East Coast – well into her nineties. The last leg of her life’s journey was when, at 94, Betsy moved to Fairhope, AL, to be near family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children; Charles A. Wilson, III, and Marian W. Frothingham and daughters-in-law, Loula and Alix; son-law John; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Charles A. Wilson, Jr.; her son, James Stevens Wilson; her sister, Anne W. Goodbody; and brother, James H. Woodall. Graveside services are pending. Betsy will join her husband Charlie in the wall surrounding Christ Church, St Michaels Parish. The Family wishes memorial contributions to be made to Christ Church.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Woodall Wilson

January 4, 1924 - February 3, 2021