July 10, 1954, is when I was born at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas. Truly, I became a bundle of joy for my parents
William (W.D.) and Kathryn (Kat) Wilson. My grandmother Etta Mae Davis suggested that I should be named after her. Thus, I
had the honor of carrying a legacy name by becoming Etta Faye Wilson.

Today, each generation in our family has an "Etta". Why? Etta Mae was named after her mother Etta "Elizabeth" Carr. When
Etta Mae had a daughter, she named her Mae Etta. Then, it was I, Etta Faye. Therefore, I named my daughter Portia Etta. Once
Portia Etta had a daughter, she named her Kierstyn Mari-Etta. My sister Billie Kay also named her daughter Earletta to continue
the legacy.

In the Wilson Family, nine children came to be. First was Billie Kaye, and she was named
after our parents. Next in line was me, Etta Faye. Soon after, there was Ralph Craig who
was going to be named Valentino if he had been born on Valentine's Day. Thirteen months
later, Judy Carol was born. This is why Ralph and Judy called themselves "Twins". We were
only the beginning. We are all deceased. The End has come for us.

The Wilsons eventually moved to Dallas, Texas where William Leon and Janet Sue were
born. Years later, back in Longview, more children were welcomed: Tomas Earl (deceased at
24) was named after our grandfather, Tom L. Davis. Tomas has a son, Tomas Lavell,
another legacy. Five years later, Terri Lynn came to be. Last of all the children, Marlon
Randall became our brother. Our mother described him as a surprise, a good surprise.

Our mother and grandmother took us to church all the time. In Longview, I grew up in New
Zion Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Robert N. Hundley pastors. As an adult living in
Dallas, I joined Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Coumpy. Then, I moved
my membership to Words of Faith Missionary Baptist Church. In fact, I have always been a
part of churches that teach the WORD. Presently, I am a member of Greater Garden
Baptist Church where Rev. A. Cox is pastor. My other church affiliations include New
Testament Word Church, Pastor Doris Brown; DCOM, Pastor E. Brown; and Charisma
Church of God in Christ, Pastor B. G. Lee; and Greater Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist
Church, Pastor J. Criss.

In 1972, I graduated from Longview High School at the top of my class. Before Longview
High School, I attended Fannie C. Harris (Dallas), 1st and 2nd grades. Back in Longview, I
went to East Ward Elementary. Maggie B. Hudson Jr. High and Mary C. Womack High.
Because I was determined to go to college, I was accepted at East Texas State University in
Commerce, TX. In 1973, I pledged Delta Sigma Theta and graduated in 1976.
After college, I moved back to Longview, looking to start a career. I was told of an
opportunity available at Missouri Pacific Railroad Company. They needed to hire females.
Yes, I was the first woman hired. However, this was not my calling. So, I quit to become a
teacher. Starting out at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in 1980. The Hutch is too much was
an expression always chanted that exudes pride. Then years later, I was employed by Dallas
Independent School District. My school assignments were Adamson High School,
Comprehensive Evening High School, L. G. Pinkston High School, and Thomas Edison
Middle School. I retired in 2008, a total of 27 year in education.
I will be remembered in the hearts of my loving children, Chad (Ashley) and Portia; siblings:
Jan, Terri (Kevin), William and Marlon; grandchildren: Kierstyn, Christian, Elijah, Ashton,
Sanijah and Stanford, Jr.; two first cousins, ten nephews, five nieces, numerous friends,
friends like family, and other relatives, especially my Uncle Sanders Carr, Jr.