Eliza Davis Wilson was born on February 4, 1934, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, to the late Maggie Byrd and Johnny Davis. Raised in the rhythms of the rural South, she grew up rooted in family, faith, and hard work: values that would carry her throughout her life. As a young woman, she made the journey north to Paterson, New Jersey, where she met and married her husband, Bobby Wilson. Together they built a home, planted roots, and raised a family that would grow into generations. 

For more than 20 years, Eliza brought that same steady work ethic to Nabisco in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Yet no job ever came before family; that was always the center of her world. Strong, independent, and no-nonsense, Eliza was also a woman who loved deeply. 

She showed it by being there. If you needed her, she came. She protected the people she loved and never hesitated to tell them what they needed to hear. She was also a devoted homeowner, managing properties in both North Carolina and Paterson. You could catch her building or fixing something around the house or yard. She was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get things done. 

Eliza enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved crocheting blankets for those she loved, working on crossword puzzles, gardening, shopping, traveling, and taking day trips to Atlantic City. She also loved hitting the open road, especially those familiar trips between New Jersey and North Carolina.

Family remained Eliza’s anchor throughout her life, and she stayed especially close to her siblings. Her bond with her sister Elnora, her only surviving sibling and truly her best friend, was one of the most beautiful of her life. Whether together in person or talking by phone, the two stayed connected always. Even in Eliza’s final days, Elnora called every day just to hear her sister’s voice. 

Just as she cherished her siblings, Eliza poured that same devotion into her own children. She was the loving mother of Alton Davis (Angie), Bobby Wilson (Sandra), Regina Wilson, and Monica Wilson. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Clara Ellen Wilson and Renee Wilson. 

She was the cherished grandmother of Kyona Best (Theodore), Rashon Kellam, Marquis Clark, Tattiana Davis Achonye (Lord), Arielle Davis, Kandice Burton, Sydney Wilson, and Jordan Wilson, and the beloved great-grandmother of Riley Best and Theodore Best. 

Eliza was preceded in death by her siblings Walter Lee Davis, William Davis, Johnny Davis Jr., Joseph Davis, and Maxine Best, as well as her niece and nephew Richard Ledbetter and Carnell Davis. 

She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sister and best friend, Elnora Davis; Barbara Davis, Kathy Davis, Brenda Davis, siblings Orisa and Robert Davis, siblings Stephania and Bernard Best, Terrell Davis, Rashawn Davis, Carmel Davis, Kitra Davis, and the Strand family, Lawanda, Shontell, and Colby, along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who loved her dearly. 

On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, five months shy of her 93rd birthday, Eliza peacefully departed this life at the blessed age of 92. Although her earthly journey has ended, the love she gave, the strength she showed, and the beautiful memories she created will continue to live on through the generations of her family.