Sonja Marie (Alston) Wilson

Dr. Sonja Marie Wilson, age 85, of Pittsboro, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her residence.

Reflection of a Life Well Lived

Dr. Sonja M. Wilson

Dr. Sonja M. Wilson, a compassionate, resolute, tenacious person was born July 26, 1940, in Pittsboro, North Carolina.  She was one of four children born to the late Julius J. and Nettie M. Alston.  She lovingly transitioned into the presence of the Lord on March 8, 2026.

Dr. Wilson faith journey started at Mitchell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Pittsboro, North Carolina where she served as a Missionary and Trustee.

She cherished family dearly and held a passion for educating Nursing students in a transitional service into a “final lesson” on compassion and community.  As an Educator, she was deeply cherished by her students who were frequently honored through unique tributes that reflect their lifelong dedication to learning and mentorship in Nursing.

She was a graduate of Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. (RN).  She received a Master of Science degree (MSN) in Medical Surgical Nursing from Hunter College of the City of New York.  She also received a doctorate degree (Ed.D) in Nursing Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York.

As a Registered Nurse, she held several Administrative positions, Director of Ambulatory Nursing, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.  Assistant Director of Nursing for Quality Assurance, Recruitment and Staffing at Long Island Jewish Hospital, Long Island, New York.  Staff Nurse, Head Nurse and Supervisor for Jacobi Hospital, New York.  A Nursing instructor at the College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, New York.   She later relocated to North Carolina and worked as a Nursing Professor at North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.  She was also an Adjunct Professor in Nursing at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, where she also brought her nursing students down to do their clinical rotations, which she was very passionate about.

She was very active in the community and with professional organizations: Who’s Who in Nursing, Chairperson for the Nursing Quality Assurance Committee, ANA, NLN, Nursing Service Administration, AAA, AKA Sorority and Professional and Business Women’s Club. She was also instrumental with the Alston and DeGraffenreidt Family reunion.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy to her sister and best friend, Lillian Alston, P.E. and brother, Jerry A. Alston, both of Pittsboro, North Carolina.  Nieces Gaye Alston, Durham, North Carolina, Rhonda Alston, Sky Alston, Destiny Alston of Wake Forest, North Carolina and a nephew Rodney Alston, Raleigh, North Carolina.  A special cousin, friend and mentor to the family, James P. Chalmers, along with other special cousins.  Winston Salem friends and classmates Carolyn Baker and Phyllis Coleman. A nursing co-worker and friend Carol James and a host of family members, friends and neighbors.

Note of Gratitude

The Family of Dr. Sonja M. Wilson is deeply grateful for the numerous words, acts of Kindness, honoring the privacy for the family to grieve with no visitation, and expressions of sympathy in their sudden time of bereavement.  May God continue to bless each of you.  It is wonderful to know that we have family, friends and neighbors who are so caring.
The Alston Family

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