The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary named Jo Ann Wilson as Volunteer of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2013. Wilson has volunteered at Thomas Medical Center, an outpatient facility in Daphne, since joining the auxiliary 10 years ago. In addition to frequently volunteering in the surgery waiting area of that facility, Wilson also now serves as volunteer co-chairperson, along with her friend Ruth Bolton.

Wilson was born and raised in Daphne. Prior to school integration, she attended the Baldwin County Training School in Daphne, which taught African-American students (grades one through 12) from throughout the county. She went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in elementary education. As one of the first two African-American teachers at Fairhope High School, Wilson taught for 21 years and then worked as an elementary school supervisor for 12 years.

She and her husband Ralph, who served a teacher, principal, and Executive of the Superintendent in the Mobile County School System and is now program director for One Hundred Black Men of Mobile, have been married for almost 48 years. They have two children, Tyrone and Mitzi, who live in the area, and four grandchildren.

She has spent in life in service to others, and the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary is fortunate to be the recipient of her generous spirit. Wilson says that volunteering is a wonderful outlet for her and she enjoys catching up with her former students. In addition to volunteering at Thomas Medical Center, Wilson is also active in her church and her college sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Nominations for Thomas Hospital Volunteer of the Quarter are made by Thomas Hospital Auxilians, with forms available in the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary office and Thomas Medical Center information desk.