Mary Elaine Wilson, 80, of Montgomery City, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Missouri.

Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Mexico, Missouri, to Homer Penn and Gladys (Young) Penn. She married the love of her life, Johnnie Junior Wilson, on October 6, 1962. Mary and Johnnie first met when Mary was just 16 years. They married a year later, when Mary was 17, and shared many years together.

Mary was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took great pride in her work. Over the years, she worked as a sales clerk at several businesses, including Hoffman's, Value Mart, Dollar General, and Abel's Gas Station. She enjoyed being around people and was always happy to visit with customers and coworkers while at work.

Outside of work, Mary cherished her family and the simple joys of life. She loved shopping, listening to country music, reading, and playing games with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She loved her dogs, enjoyed family vacations, looked forward to Christmas and school shopping, and took great pleasure in cooking meals for her entire family. Her family was at the heart of her life, and the memories she created with them will be treasured for generations to come.

Mary is survived by her daughter-in-law, Traci Wilson of Montgomery City, Missouri; grandchildren, Brandi (Dan) Utterback of Martinsburg, Missouri, Jolene (Wes) Spreckelmeyer of Vandalia, Missouri, and Clinton (Angie) Wilson of Perry, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Emmi (Justin) Duenke and Eli (Sarah) Johnson, both of Laddonia, Missouri, Ean and Ezra Johnson, both of Martinsburg, Missouri, Easton Utterback of Martinsburg, Missouri, Joseph (Stephanie) Utterback of Moberly, Missouri, and Keaton and Korbin Wilson, both of Perry, Missouri; and great-great-grandchildren, Archi and Callahan Duenke of Laddonia, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnnie Junior Wilson; her son, Mike Wilson; her daughter, Tina Wilson; and her siblings, Jimmy Penn, Charlie Penn, Larry Penn, Naomi Langley, and Linda Wilson.

Mary will be remembered for her hardworking spirit, her love of family, her generous heart, and the joy she found in spending time with the people she loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family.

The family will hold private services.