Thomas David Wilson was born on July 5, 1940, in Ellisville, Mississippi, to Lessie and Walter Wilson. The youngest of thirteen children, he accepted Christ at an early age and carried his faith throughout his life.
Raised on a family farm, Tom learned the values of perseverance and parsimony. Encouraged by a mentor, his participation in 4‑H inspired him to pursue higher education. He graduated from Jackson State University in 1964, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree, and later received a master’s degree in education from Wayne State University.
During his junior year, Tom met Dorothy Jean Penro. They married in Cleveland in 1968 and had one child, Miesha LeAnne Wilson, in 1971. Although they divorced in 1988, they remarried each other in 2003, ultimately bookending forty years of marriage. Together, they achieved notoriety and prosperity.
Tom dedicated thirty years to education, serving as an assistant principal and teacher in the East Cleveland and Cleveland Municipal School Districts. He also faithfully served at Living Truth Center in many roles, including choir member, board member, and treasurer.
Tom loved life—Cleveland sports, healthy living, meaningful conversations, and greeting everyone with warmth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings, and wife. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Miesha Wilson Headen; his grandsons, R. Carl Headen, Jr. and Thomas Headen; a host of nieces and nephews; and Taylor McGill.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at The Living Truth Center, 1850 Belmore Rd., East Cleveland OH 44112. Repast immediately following the service.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Painesville.
Reader interactions
7 Replies to “Thomas David Wilson”
Beautiful life
Miesha, My sincere condolences to you and your sons. God makes no mistake. God picks his precious flowers and Your dad was one.. May God continue to strengthen you. Marion A.Cavin🙏🏼❤️
Tom, my friend and LTC Member, you are truly missed. “ Absent from the body and present with the Lord.” You, Dorothy, and the other family members, plus those friends who preceded you in death, are back together again. What a grand celebration. I am so grateful that we met. You are a true treasure. Thank you for being who God created you to become. We accomplished much at LTC. Rest peaceful my friend.
Thank you for sharing Miesha. May your dad rest in peace. A man of God, no doubt.
Miesha my sincere condolences to you and your family. Your Dad will truly be missed.We had recently saw eachother after a very long time.I am very happy we had that chance. May God strenthen you and family. Love Juanita
Mr. Wilson was a great neighbor and man. RIP Mr. Wilson
Sending condolences and prayers for strength 🙏🏽
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