Irvin C. Wilson

Irvin Clark Purnell Wilson (Pick), son of the late James Phillip Purnell II and Beulah Virginia Briscoe was born in Middletown in New Castle County, DE on February 15, 1933. He transitioned from his earthly life peacefully on April 18, 2025 at his home in Gilbert, AZ.

Irvin (Pick as he was affectionally called) received his early education at Louis L. Redding Elementary School. For his secondary education, he attended Thomas Davis Clayton High School, Smyrna DE and the Booker T. Washington High School in Dover, DE. He graduated from Delaware State High School and later attended Delaware State College, and Delaware Technical & Community College, all in Dover, DE.

Pick was honorably discharged from the US Army on December 31, 1976, after 22½ years of service. He later became employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS), and after serving many years as a dedicated postal worker, he retired on December 31, 1996.

Pick moved to New Castle, DE, where he met and was united in marriage to Mattie Goodman (Mae) on November 18. 1978.

Pick at an early age gave his life to Christ and joined Dale’s United Methodist Church in Middletown, DE. He later became a member of Bethel AME Church in Smyrna, DE. In 1996, Pick became an active member of the Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church in Wilmington, DE, under the pastoral leadership of his stepfather-in law, the late Rev. Ivan N. Collins, Jr. He, also, served as a member under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Herbert J. Owens, Sr., Pastor Emeritus. Pick served in the Gospel Chorus and the Mass Choir Ministries. His last church membership was at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ.

Pick was a car enthusiast from the heart and an excellent car keeper, cleaner, and detailer. He always said "A car is not clean unless the tires are cleaned." He, also, was a lifetime member of the Prince Hall Masonry #21 of Waco, Texas.

Pick preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and brothers: Mae Purnell, James (Jim) Purnell III, Indie Purnell, Gladys Robinson, Marguerite Walker; and sons, Andre Reed & Essel (Buster) Wilson.

Irvin (Pick) leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Mattie (Mae) B. Wilson; sons, Jonathan D. (Cakie) Wilson, Smyrna, DE; Andrew Evans, Colonial Heights, VA; daughter, Priscilla R. (Puffy) Wilson-Williams, Smyrna, DE; step-son, Clinton L. Collins, Chandler, AZ; daughters- in-law, Linda N. Wilson, Wilmington, DE, Cinchael Evans, Colonial Heights, VA; stepdaughter-in-law, Debbie Collins, Chandler, AZ; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brother, Thomas Briscoe, Baltimore, MD; sisters-in-law, Delcene Collins-Mitchell, Barbara Gale, Wilmington DE; Catrina Allen (Theophilus), JauMeadie Ellis-Smith, Newport News, VA; brothers-in-law, Gregory and Larry Collins, Wilmington, DE; extended-family sisters; Rev. Rose James, Newark, DE; Edith Braddy, Orlando, FL; Edith Johnson, New Castle, DE; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

                                                                                Lovingly Submitted, The Family