Wilson Hall matriarch cherished for service, faith and leadership

Here's the thing about having to describe great people: There will never be enough words to do them justice.

And yet, we try. We gather memories like pearls on a string, each one polished with love, in hopes that somehow they might capture a fraction of the life that was lived.

This is the case for loved ones of Sarah Witherspoon Nash Wilson - Sally, as she was affectionately known.

Born Feb. 10, 1924, in Sumter to the late Shepard Kollock Nash and Nancy Witherspoon McKay Nash, she was a graduate of Edmunds High School and Converse College. After graduating from University of South Carolina, she served as a Red Cross volunteer nurse during World War II.

This early chapter of her life quietly highlighted her devotion to education and service and how far both could take you in life. Which is why after teaching at Alice Drive Middle School and the passing of her late husband, John S. Wilson, the namesake for Wilson Hall, she would be the one to bring his idea of a school pillared on diligence and integrity to fruition. Wilson Hall opened in fall 1964 at First Southern Methodist Church with 87 students enrolled in grades first through sixth, according to The Sumter Item archives.

"When I drove up to see the doors of Wilson Hall open to the students, I sat in my automobile and sobbed," Wilson told The Item in 2016. "It was not out of sadness but out of a dream that was fulfilled."

Today, Wilson Hall is one of the largest private schools in South Carolina, enrolling about 830 students in preschool through 12th grade on a 17-acre campus with six buildings, the school reported.

With its expansion, Wilson remained a humble steward in its legacy.

"She'd always ask, 'Is there anything I can do?'" recalled former headmaster Fred Moulton.

Moulton served as headmaster for 35 years of his 38-year tenure at the school. After assuming the role in 1988, it became tradition at the start and end of each academic year to meet with Wilson to discuss school operations and their legacy. His voice took on a softer tone as he reminisced on how "she'd listen intently" to his plans and would "never blink," ensuring she never missed a moment of his vision or intention. He admired Wilson and her family greatly for how they never intruded on school protocols and procedures, never popped up on campus unannounced, certain of her trust in its administration and academics - rather, she'd accept invitations graciously and always come with an offer to help, one that couldn't be met with a request, only respect.

"When you put your name on something, you take the value of what's going on personally. But I've always found that to be remarkable about the Wilson family."

Beyond discussing the school, she was a constant among students for some of their biggest moments. Whether it be attending the senior class' last-day lunch to congratulate them on their hard work or presenting the John S. Wilson award at graduation to the school's outstanding senior - the highest honor at the school - it was her "quiet strength," Moulton said, that served as the foundation on which the school's spirit was built.

But her devotion extended beyond education.

Steadfast in her faith, she was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Sumter, where she was baptized, married in 1946 and taught primary, secondary and adult Sunday School for more than 50 years. She was also a member of Salem Black River Presbyterian Church, serving her beloved "Brick Church" in every capacity.

James Cooper, a long-time friend of Wilson, serves as groundskeeper of the historic church. He and Wilson were responsible for keeping the church property, its cemetery in particular, in tip-top shape. When they weren't managing the grounds, Cooper was ensuring that Wilson received encouraging words and scriptures, sending her daily devotionals for seven years.

"Lovely" is how he described Wilson. Her devotion to the church, its congregation and its cemetery shone in how she cared for all aspects with little reservation. Each deserved the best of her, and that's exactly what they got. Which is why when Cooper got the call about preparing the cemetery for his dear friend's homegoing service, he pulled out all the stops for such a "great woman."

Wilson dedicated herself to Sumter and South Carolina as a whole across several organizations, just like any "perfect Southern lady" would, from helping found several entities, including Daughters Book Club with the late Miss Margaret McElveen and Central Carolina Community Foundation board, to serving as co-owner of The Cottage Shop with Pauline Harritt and on boards for Sumter County Commission for Higher Education, National Bank of South Carolina, Tuomey Hospital Foundation, Sumter County Museum and Salvation Army. She was also a devoted member of Sumter Art Club, Sumter Drama Club, Sumter Historical Society, Sumter Mental Health Association, Junior Welfare League of Sumter and many more.

Her service was purposeful, consistent and deeply personal. Her kindness and generosity impressed upon many the power of quiet leadership - of showing up, over and over again, with heart and humility entering the room before you do. It was the gift that continues to give. The gift that has shaped paths for several. The gift that was one of a kind, treasured by all who knew Sally and her warm smile.

"Mrs. Wilson was such a special lady. She loved her family, her church and her community. We will never know all the many ways she impacted this community. I was blessed to have known her," said her friend, Cathy Gardner. "She will surely be missed."

Wilson passed away on March 3, 2025, at age 101. She leaves behind three daughters, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as a community that will not only remember her name, but also her warmth, wisdom and ability to make others feel seen.

Her legacy is not just what she built, but also who she loved and how deeply she was loved in return.