In Memoriam: Feleta Wilson, 1945-2019

Feleta Wilson, a long-standing associate professor of nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit, passed away on January 29. She was 73 years old.

Dr. Wilson focused her academic research on patient education and patient health literacy to reduce health disparities and inequities in vulnerable populations. Her research contributed to nursing science and made a significant impact at the clinical level where her findings translated into easy-to-read, culturally sensitive educational materials. She was widely published in top-tier journals including the Western Journal of Nursing Research, Nursing Science Quarterly, the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, Reference and User Services Quarterly, and Public Libraries. She also served as principal investigator on research grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer, Institute, National Institute on Aging, National Institute for Nursing Research, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. Dr. Wilson was a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

In addition to her academic career, Dr. Wilson was also a dedicated community leader. She served as chair, vice chair, secretary, and member of the board of directors of the Detroit Community Health Connection, which provides primary health care to uninsured and under-insured individuals. In 2014, the organization dedicated The Dr. Feleta Wilson Health Center in her honor.

Dr. Wilson held a bachelor’s degree in nursing from North Carolina A&T State University, a master of public health degree from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. from Wayne State University.