University Times

Long-time staff member in the School of Engineering Carolynn Ann Morse Wilson died May 4, 2006, following a heart attack. She was 66.

A Pittsburgh native, Wilson attended Homewood Elementary School and graduated from Westinghouse High School. She also attended classes at Pitt, and accepted a staff position here in 1980 as an administrative secretary in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Later, she was named the department’s financial administrative assistant, the title she held at the time of her death.

“For over a quarter of a century she responded to the needs of department chairmen, faculty, fellow staff members and students,” said Frederick Pettit, professor emeritus and former chair of the materials science and engineering department, who hired Wilson. “She performed her duties always with a smile and never complained. Carolynn took an interest in all members of the materials science and engineering department and at all times attempted to help them in ways that reflected her kind and loving attitude.”

Friends described Wilson as a devoutly religious person who was active at Faith Temple Lighthouse Church, where she served as recording secretary and choir member.

She also enjoyed computer art, singing and playing the piano, and was a well-known dog lover, friends said.

Wilson is survived by her husband Isiah Wilson; daughter Sharon Wilson-Dye of Charlotte, N.C.; son Elijah Wilson of Gaffney, S.C.; brothers Kenneth Morse of Chicago and Stanley Blackwell Jr. of Pittsburgh; sisters Jacquelynn Weathers of Pittsburgh and Debra Brister of Chicago; grandchildren Andra and Precious Hall of Shelby N.C.; great-grandchild Amiyah Hall, also of Shelby, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren.

—Peter Hart