Harriet June Elrad Wilson

June 30, 1930 - September 22, 2020

Harriet June Elrad Wilson has died at age 90 in White Lake, Michigan. She left a legacy of memories and stories forged by her strong personality and commitment to family. She will be missed. Harriet was born in Cleveland, Ohio to William and Edythe Elrad, the oldest of three children. Brother Bob and sister Joyce pre- deceased Harriet. She attended Hillsdale College, was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. At Hillsdale she met the love of her life, Charles Herbert Wilson, Jr. They married in 1952 and were partners and best friends until Chuck’s death in 2006. Her daughter, Katie, likes to say that Harriet went to hold Chuck’s hand. Harriet and Chuck had three girls— Kate Wilson Burley (Chuck), Jill R. Wilson Isaacson (Marc) and Jane Gretchen McKenney (Tom). The girls were Harriet’s “jewels in her crown”. She loved to serve as groom and chief cheerleader at horse shows, insisted on formal dinners every evening around the dining room table and encouraged thoughtful conversation. Harriet and Chuck loved Christmas, and the whole Wilson extended family had a “ movable feast” every year that lasted for days and included singing, games and even an occasional play. She welcomed all of the girls’ friends and never missed a college homecoming or parents’ weekend at her beloved Hillsdale College, where all three children graduated. She was a member of the Hillsdale College Board of Women Commissioners for many years. Harriet was an active member of the Milford Suburban League and treasured her friendships she made there. She gave her time to fostering educational opportunities in her community and valued education. Not surprisingly, all three of her daughters have careers focusing on education and a number of the grandchildren also have careers in education. She was instrumental in establishing the equestrian program at Milford High School and loved all things equestrian. Harriet was blessed with eight grandchildren; Laura (Burley) Clark (Nate), Jeff Burley, Sarah Isaacson, Allison Isaacson, Paul McKenney, Ann Marie McKenney (Keith Johnson), Anthony McKenney and Joe McKenney. She delighted in hearing about their adventures, and talked to many of them often even in her last year. They have treasures of “Harrietisms” to take with them everywhere. She will be missed. www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.com