Laretia L. Wilson

Laretia (Williams) Wilson was born on April 16'h 1960 at Cook County hospital in Chicago, IL to the parents of the late Minnie L. Brown and biological father Arland Hooper and was lovingly adopted and raised by the late Eddie Williams. She departed this life on May Oh 2026 at Lake Forest Hospital at the age of 66.

Laretia grew up in Maywood, Illinois where she attended Roosevelt Elementary school in Broadview, IL and Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. At a young age, Laretia accepted Christ and attended Progressive COGIC in Maywood, Illinois, where her faith began to shape the woman she would become. During her life, Laretia experienced meaningful chapters of love and family. She was first united in marriage to Lonnel Robinson and during their time together, they moved to California while he was stationed there in the Air force. To this union together they welcomed their first son, Lonnel Robinson Jr.

Laretia moved to North Chicago, Illinois in 1990. During this time she married long time boyfriend Robert Wilson. Together they welcomed her second son, Nevin Wilson and adopted daughter Akayla Wilson. In 1995 Laretia joined the North Chicago Police Department where she served her community as a 911 operater, a postion she proudly held until she retired in 2015.

Laretia was known for her strength, determined spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She found joy in family gatherings, music and creating lasting memories with those she loved. She had a nurturing heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand or comforting word. Laretia was very strong-minded, those close to her would say stubborn. A trait that was best exemplified by her often-used phrase "Can't was killed in the battle of try". Beneath that strength was a woman who loved deeply, fiercely, and wholeheartedly. Her laughter, strength, and unconditional love will live on and leave lasting impressions on everyone who were blessed to know her.

Laretia leaves to cherish her loving memories: Children: Lonnel (Shimeka) Robinson Jr. of Grayslake, IL, Nevin (Jaki) Wilson of Round Lake Park and Akayla Wilson of Morris, IL. She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Jeniah Robinson, Brandon Robinson, Armani Robinson Elashia Turner, DeVale Turner, and Armani Frierson. Father: Arland Hooper of Gurnee, IL. Sisters: Towana (Calvin) Garth, Tonia (Benjamin) Townsend, Jacqueline (the late Rodney) Foster, and Karolette (the late Gladstone) James, Marlene (Marlin) Williams of Columbus, GA, Amanda (Terry) Smith of Gurnee, IL, Zeretta (Mark) Phelps of North Chicago, IL. Brothers: Eddie Williams Jr. of Maywood, IL, Arland L. Hooper Jr. of North Chicago, IL, Darwin L. Hooper of waukegan, IL, Dorlan I. Hooper of Waukegan, IL and brother-in-laws Tim Kelly and Joe Cannon. A host of nieces, nephews, great friends, along with many extended family members who will deeply miss her. She was preceded in death by her late mother, Minnie L. Williams, her late adoptive father, Eddie Williams. Sisters: Cynthia Williams, Gail Kelly and Celeste Cannon. Brothers: Kalvin Hooper and Darrell Williams along with a host of loved ones waiting to welcome her home.

A memorial visitation and service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10am until 11am, with a memorial service beginning at 11am. Interment will be held privately. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.