Loretta Wilson

Published 11:13 am Monday, February 10, 2025

Loretta Wilson, age 87, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, ran into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Loretta was born in Elizabethton to the late Robert “Hot Shot” Groce Sr. and Lillie Lewis Groce. In addition to her parents, Loretta was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Captain Roy Haskell Wilson, in 1968; her second husband, Billy Collins; a daughter, Lisa Lee; and an infant sister, Roberta Groce.

There was no greater love for her family than Loretta’s love! She loved her family more than anything and showed it every day of her life. She was a member of Lynn Valley Baptist Church and loved going to church. Loretta had also attended Bethel Church for many years as well. A strong and resilient lady, Loretta was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend. Loretta had worked at Elizabethton High School as a custodian. In her free time, she enjoyed family gatherings and always looked forward to family outings.

Those left to remember Loretta’s beloved memory include her children, Stephen (Yali) Wilson and Tammy (Joe) Carpenter; her grandchildren, Joseph (Rhonda) Carpenter, Amanda (Robert) Reece, Rachel (Gary) Coontz, Jessica (Brian) Glover, Ming (Maria) Wilson, Brandi (Michal) Haney, Dustin Wilson, and Jonathan Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Jozey Reece, Conner Calvert, Adalynn Reece, Benjamin Carpenter, Emma Glover, AnnaMarie Carpenter, Koralee Reece, Nora Glover, Jackson Glover, Liam Haney, and Charlotte Haney; her brother, Robert Groce Jr. and wife, Frieda; and her sisters, Carol Hardin and Mildred Isaacs.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton or at the home of her daughter, Tammy Carpenter, 135 Roosevelt Avenue, Elizabethton, at other times.

A service to celebrate the life of Loretta Wilson will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Lynn Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethton with Pastor Tim Tapp officiating.

The graveside service will follow in the Caldwell Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Joseph Carpenter, Conner Calvert, Stephen Wilson, Robert Reece, Joe Carpenter, and Jonathan Wilson. Brian Glover will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff and nurses at Sycamore Shoals Hospital for their wonderful and loving care given to Loretta during her illness.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Wilson family. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.