Erma Hydrick Wilson

Erma Jean Hydrick Wilson, 88, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. Born to the late Grady Bellinger Hydrick and Lavenia Myers Hydrick in Columbia on March 19, 1937.

Erma graduated from Dreher High School in 1955 and went to Washington D.C. to work in the Library of Congress. She then married William C. “Bill” Wilson on December 22nd, 1956. Raising her young children in Belvedere and St. Andrews, they later built their dream home on Lake Murray in true Wilson style. She was employed as a typesetter for Ellett Brothers for many years, constructing their sales catalogs. In addition to her job outside the home, she was mother of four children, and took care of her third grandchild, Jodie, as her own.

She is preceded in death by her son, Jason Gilmore Wilson, and granddaughter(s) Kristen Ashleigh Smith and Jodie Legil Wilson, both of Columbia. Also, her beloved sister, Dorothy Hydrick Moorer and niece, Rosemeri Moorer Truluck, both of Lake City, SC.

Erma is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughters, Lisa Lesnieski (Scott) and Wendy Wilson, her son, William C. “Woody” Wilson, her granddaughters, Jessica Meng and Miranda Lesnieski, and her great niece and nephew, Alana Keefe (Jesse), daughter Ashlyn Stogner, and Heywarde Truluck.

Erma valued her family and friends. She was in numerous bowling leagues and bridge clubs, supper clubs, and a member of the Red Hatters Association. She loved to travel. They would take annual trips out West to visit family and shop, one of her other favorite hobbies! She enjoyed reading and games of all kinds and a talent for arts and crafts like painting and drawing with extravagant color. She was an avid sewer and seamstress during her motherhood years from pageant dresses and cheerleading uniforms to Barbie clothes. She loved the beach, as they spent many summers in Cherry Grove as their second home. Erma will be remembered for her charismatic personality and wit, loving and feisty spirit, and our precious Zsa Zsa.

A memorial service conducted by the Reverend Dr. Mark Bredholt will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home (200 State Street, West Columbia, 29169). The family will visit with friends following the service with light hors d’oeuvres.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association SC (140 Stoneridge Drive, #640, Columbia, SC 29210 or alz.org)

A special thank you to Prisma Health Hospice Columbia and Erin, Carmella, Jennifer, Crystal, Dell, and Chaplain Louellen for their tender loving care and compassion.