Creely Wilson, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union’s first state coordinator for Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC), died July 18. She was 92.
CWJC began in Tennessee in 1997. Soon after National WMU launched CWJC, Wilson came to the office and told the staff that Tennessee WMU needed to start this ministry, recalled Vickie Anderson, now executive director of Tennessee WMU.
“Her passion for women and meeting the needs of women through CWJC was clear,” Anderson said.
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She noted that Wilson made a difference by attending site coordinator training, finding a location for the first Tennessee site in Nashville (now called Begin Anew), meeting with local and state government leaders, finding teachers and volunteers, leading Bible Study, mentoring, developing a computer lab, promoting CWJC across Tennessee and teaching others to have a CWJC site.
Humble beginnings
“What began as one site in Tennessee for women in 1997 today has grown to 15 Christian Job Corps sites in 13 locations, providing a Christian environment in which women and men are equipped and encouraged for new life in Jesus and where they gain job and life skills to enhance their lives and the lives of their families,” Anderson said.
In their 2024 annual ministry reports, these sites reported 1,305 participants in their various programs, 115 graduates, four decisions for Christ and 342 volunteers serving 16,995 volunteer hours, she added.
Becky Sumrall, current Tennessee Christian Job Corps state coordinator described Wilson as her “dear friend and a mentor. She led the way for the first Christian Women’s Job Corps site in Tennessee and gave her time and energy to begin other sites across the state,” Sumrall said.
Amanda Day Dean, former Tennessee WMU staff member, was on staff when CWJC began. “I am thankful for Creely’s vision for what CWJC could be in Tennessee and the lives that have been changed because of that vision.
“I hung on tight to Creely’s coattails as we took the journey together and saw CWJC become a reality in Nashville and across Tennessee. I pray there will always be women with the same grace, determination and godly character leading women to do bold things for the Kingdom of God,” Dean said.
Tracey Gholson, former Tennessee CWJC/CMJC state coordinator, became involved in the ministry because of Wilson.
“She gave me opportunities to lead and invited me to plan events alongside her. Creely’s love for Christ and for the ministry of CWJC was contagious. I am thankful for the life of Christian service and love that Creely so faithfully modeled,” Gholson said.
‘Ripple effects’
Anderson agreed Wilson touched and impacted many lives in Tennessee. “The ripple effects of her legacy will continue to make a difference in years to come,” she said.
Wilson was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wilson, longtime pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, and former staff member of the executive committee of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board). She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren and 18 great-grand-children.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
