Darryl Leo Wilson , of Evanston, Illinois departed from this life on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.  Darryl was born July 6, 1952 in Iaegar, West Virginia to the late Jacob Wilson Jr and the late Pauline Wilson.  Darryl was proven leader amongst his peers as he participated in the Student Government and served as the student representative in the Parks & Recreation Department for the Town of Iaeger.  As a gifted student, Darryl graduated from Iaeger High School in 1970 and continued his academic career at West Virginia State University in Institute West Virginia.

​While enrolled at West Virginia State University, Darryl sought a double-major in Elementary Education and History.  During the summers, Darryl would work for the U.S. Postal Service up until his graduation in 1974.  While enrolled in college, Darryl became a member of the Omega Psi PhiFraternity.

​Darryl secured a job not far from his house as he was hired as an elementary school teacher for Iaeger Elementary School.  While working there for his first year, he then met the newly hired elementary school teacher named Gail L. Adams, who would then become the love of his life and this friendship lead to Gail becoming his wife in 1976.  After marriage, the two moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not only for career opportunities, but to help provide for their families.

​While in Milwaukee, Darryl worked in the accounts receivable department for Miller Brewing Company and then landed a job as Director of the Department of Recreation and Youth Summer Employment for the city of Milwaukee.  Darryl served there until he decided to enter law school.  Darryl was also baptized at St. Matthew CME Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

​Darryl applied and was accepted into 6 law schools and from here he made the decision to attend the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin in 1983.  After completing his degree in 1986, Darryl would take his talents to Chicago and work as the Safety and Compensation Manager for United Airlines.  Darryl would win several awards for projects dealing with employee safety.  In 1992, Darryl also received a leadership award with the American Autobiographical Association.   After retiring from United Airlines, Darryl would then take a job as a company arbitrator for the Exelon Energy Company in 2006 and he would serve there until his retirement.  In addition, Darry served as Treasurer of The Board of Directors of the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

​Darryl was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Wilson and Pauline Wilson, sister Peggy Churchwell, and brother Ronnie Churchwell.   Those left to cherish Darry's memories and accomplishments are his wife of 47 years, Gail of Evanston and their son Jeffrey, of Chicago; brothers Pastor Arnet Churchwell and wife Gail Churchwell of Bluefield, West Virginia and Brother Timothy L. Wilson and wife Patti Wilsonof Arlington, Massachusetts.

​The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Haliburton Funeral Chapel, Evanston, IL  60201with Dr. Aaron Mcleod officiating.  The viewing will begin at 10:00AM, with funeral services following at 11AM.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Haliburton Funeral Chapel, 1317 Emerson Street, Evanston, IL.  Pallbearers will be his brothers from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity & The Kappa Phi Chapter.  The burial ceremony will be held at Sunset Memorial Lawns in Northbrook, Illinois.   In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request, if you should choose to do so, to please make a direct memorial donation towards Darry's legacy to The Jazz Institute of Chicago.  Please direct your contributions to www.jazzinchicago.org/support . For further information, please contact Haliburton Funeral Chapel at haliburtonfuneralchapel@gmail.com

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Psalm 23

King James Version

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

PSALM 46

GOD IS OUR HOPE AND STRENGTH,
A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.

THEREFORE WILL WE NOT FEAR, THOUGH THE EARTH BE MOVED,
AND THOUGH THE HILLS BE CARRIED INTO THE MIDST OF THE SEA;

THOUGH THE WATERS THEREOF RAGE AND SWELL,
AND THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS SHAKE AT THE TEMPEST OF THE SAME.

THERE IS A RIVER, THE STREAMS WHEREOF MAKE GLAD THE CITY OF GOD, THE HOLY PLACE OF THE TABERNACLE OF THE MOST HIGHEST.

GOD IS IN THE MIDST OF HER, THEREFORE SHALL SHE NOT BE REMOVED;
GOD SHALL HELP HER, AND THAT RIGHT EARLY.

BE STILL THEN, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD;
I WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS, AND I WILL BE EXALTED IN THE EARTH.

THE LORD OF HOSTS IS WITH US;
THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR REFUGE.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."