Gena Ware Wilson

Gena Ware Wilson, of Macon, Georgia, died Tuesday, November 3, 2026. She was 79 years old. Services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave, Macon, Georgia 31204, followed by a visitation at the church.

Gena was born in Macon on July 3, 1947, the daughter of the late Alva Durward Ware, Jr. and the late Montine Hutchins Ware. She attended Miller High School for Girls where she was the President of her sorority, Sigma Omega Sigma. Gena either chaired or co-chaired the quinquennial reunion of the Miller/Lanier Class of 1965 since her high school graduation. She attended Wesleyan College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1965, was a member of Student Government and president of the Crown and Sceptre Honor Society. She was also a founding member of Macon’s Sewing Club, a club that used to sew but continues to knit friendships.

Gena married her high school sweetheart, Steve Lorin Wilson, on May 3, 1969. She was an active member at Vineville United Methodist Church in Macon, where she held many volunteer positions, was a member of the Altar Guild and served on the committee to refurbish the sanctuary organ. Gena was a talented seamstress and quilter and taught French hand sewing and smocking before co-opening Silver Linings, a retail store to sell such material.

She later earned a Masters of Education in Library Media from Georgia College and worked as the media specialist for Springdale Elementary School for 14 years. After retirement, she was active in historical neighborhood refurbishments, her church, gardening, and sewing and book clubs. She spent more than 20 years planning and co-hosting the July 4th “Function at the Junction” on Vista Circle.

Gena is survived by her husband of 57 years, Steve, and her son, Wesley Carter Wilson (Marina) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her two grandchildren, Lila and Sawyer, loved her as their “Gigi.” She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Alva Durward Ware, III. His children Taylor (Emily), Brayden and Caroline Ware are dear nephews and a niece.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate to Book ‘Em, an organization founded by family friends to deliver books to young readers across Macon-Bibb County. Instructions for payment by Paypal or Venmo can be found online at MaconBookEm.org/donate. Checks can be sent in care of Powers Law Group, 3557 Vineville Avenue, Macon, 31204. Donations may also be made to Vineville United Methodist Church at vinevillemethodist.com/giving, where Gena worshipped for over 50 years. Donations to either cause should indicate that donations are made in memory of Gena Wilson.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart’s Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.