Obituary of Martha F Wilson

Martha F. Wilson was born on March 2, 1953 in New Church, VA to the late Willie and Rachel Copes. Martha is the oldest of three children. Martha was a proud product of Camden City Public Schools. She graduated from Camden High School in 1970 and continued her education at Camden County College and Rutgers University. Martha was the first African American to work for the Campbell Soup Company (Camden, NJ) in the Medical Department as a medical secretary. Later she pursued her love for numbers and was hired by RCA (Cherry Hill, NJ) as an Account Receivable Clerk. She became known in the company for her strong leadership strengths. Because of her personality, professionalism and knowledge, she was persuaded by administration to create a new program for the company through Human Resources and Accounting that developed payroll deductions. Martha wrote and was responsible for the first program employee deductions of 401Ks, IRA’s and the Income Savings Plan. As a young child, Martha Explored her love for Jesus Christ and was baptized at the early age of five. She believed that having Christ in her life and the support of her parents, she had the ability to “Do all things through Christ who strengthens her”. Martha was a member of Kaighn Avenue Baptist church where she served on the Advisory Committee. Martha served as the president of the PTA and president of the District Parent Advisory Committee for the Camden City Public Schools. In February 1997 the community asked Martha to run for the Camden City Board of Education. In April 1997, Martha was elected as a member of the Camden City Board of Education where she continued to serve up until April 2020 as the President of the Board of Education. She was certified as a Master School Board Member. Martha was also a member of CUBE (Council of Urban Boards of Education). She was also a member of New Jersey School Board Association as well as National School Board Association. She was also the Executive Director of the Camden City Democrat Committee. Martha was dedicated to the students, parents, teachers and community. Martha enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved to greet everyone with a warm hug and kiss. She would light up the room she entered it. She loved to dance, travel, share stories, skating, bowling, swimming and the arts and crafts. Martha was also known for her stylish clothing, jewelry & shoes. Martha leaves to cherish her memories: Her husband of 41 years the Honorable Gilbert “Whip” Wilson, three children Denise Fowler-Powell (Wayne), Gilbert L. Wilson Jr. and Nichelle N. Wilson-Wade (Wallace). Brother Willie Copes III (Jean), Sister Treita Cook (Wayne) & Sister Tanya Hardy (Shane). 7 Grandchildren; 5 Great Grandchildren. Brother In Law Carlton Wilson (Kathy) Brother In Law Troy Bratten (Theresa) & Sister In Law Yindra Wilson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Humbly Submitted, The Family