Surrounded by family and loved ones, Neva Jean Wilson passed away on July 23, 2026, exactly one week after celebrating her 96th birthday.

Neva was born Neva Jean Tielkemeier on July 16, 1930, in Rock City, Illinois, where she was lovingly looked after by her older brothers, Francis and Leo. She graduated from Dakota High School in 1948, where she also met the love of her life, Delbert Wilson. A talented and competitive athlete, Neva loved playing softball in her younger years and later enjoyed countless rounds of golf with friends, clients, and colleagues.

Neva and Del were married on March 25, 1951, in Rock City. They shared 64 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children: Douglas, Pamela, and Gregg. For more than 60 years, they made their home on Stornway Drive, where their house quickly became the center of neighborhood activity. Neva proudly embraced the role of "neighborhood mom," welcoming generations of friends through her door. She loved to host, especially the legendary "Pine Ridge Open," where lifelong friends gathered over Rhine wine and ice-cold cheap beer. She took immense pride in her perfectly manicured lawn, festive holiday decorations, and maintaining a home that reflected her high standards and attention to detail. Many treasured summer weeks were spent at Blueberry Lake near Hayward, Wisconsin, where some of her family's happiest memories were made.

For 18 years, Neva worked three nights a week at the Pink Pony Club—long before it was cool—where bar customers quickly became friends, and friends often became dinner guests. Her true professional calling began when she earned her real estate license and launched what would become a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years. Starting with Whitehead Realtors and retiring from Dickerson Niemann, Neva helped generations of Rockford-area families find homes of their own. Her clients became extended family, and her husband Del faithfully served as her unofficial assistant, dutifully placing hundreds of open house signs whenever she asked.

To know Neva was to be loved, cared for, and regularly reminded of exactly what she thought. She never hesitated to share her opinions, and she did so with wit, confidence, and unmistakable charm. She had impeccable style, a wonderful sense of fashion, and a fierce loyalty to the people she loved. Above all, she was exceptionally devoted to her family.

As a mother, grandmother, and eventually "GiGi" to her great-grandchildren, Neva embraced every role with grace, generosity, and endless love. Three of her grandchildren were fortunate enough to grow up just houses away, filling their childhoods with unforgettable kitchen table conversations, backyard games, and Sunday-night debates over who got to stay overnight. Those cherished traditions continued with her great-grandchildren, who were equally blessed to experience her warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

It is impossible to fully capture the impact Neva had on the lives of those who knew her. She was never defined by life's hardships or personal loss. Instead, she embodied resilience, perseverance, and unwavering love for others. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, laughter, and family that will continue for generations. Neva was beloved by many and will be forgotten by none.

Neva was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Wilson; her daughter, Pamela; her son, Gregg; and her brothers, Francis (Doris), Leo (Gladys), and Darrell (Marcela).

She is survived by her sister, Sharon Wise (Carl); son, Doug (Alex); grandchildren, Stephanie (Tom) Hove, Jennifer (Peter) Brodeski, Sean (Kristy) McHugh, Bobbie (Robbie) Dame, Joey Wilson, Michael Wilson, and Jack Wilson; and her 12 beloved great-grandchildren: Sophie, Amelia, Oliver, Molly, Greta, Jackson, Lila, Charlie, Wilson, Finn, Declan, and Max, all of whom lovingly knew her as "GiGi."

Details of the celebration of life will be announced by her family soon. We are working to find a venue large enough for everyone who wants to celebrate her. She never liked doing anything halfway, and apparently that includes saying goodbye.

We love you. Always.