Obituary of Clorasteen Scott Wilson

Clorasteen Scott Wilson peacefully passed away at the age of 92 as a happy, healthy, vibrant, funny and loving woman of faith, at her Minneapolis home on June 11, 2021.

Clorasteen was born on December 23, 1928 in Lake Providence, Louisiana to the late Clorasteen Russell Scott and Joseph Scott. She grew up in Gary, Indiana and married her first husband, James Holmes. They welcomed a daughter, Patricia.

When Patricia was a toddler, Clorasteen and her daughter relocated to Minneapolis to start anew. Here is where she met Kenneth Wilson, who would become her husband and the love of her life; her endless love! They joined their families as one; Kenneth's three children, Kathleen, Walter, and Beverly and Clorasteen's daughter, Patricia, and had two daughters together, Peggy and Kimberly.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Clorasteen and her husband Kenneth understood the value of family and community service. In 1969, she was hired by the University of Minnesota, Department of Agriculture's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to teach nutrition, budgeting and economical cooking techniques in the inner city of Minneapolis.

Clorasteen was a community member in the truest sense of the term and was actively involved in local and national politics, working for lasting change. She helped individuals and families, as well as members of congress, senators, mayors including former & current City Council members Elizabeth Glidden, and Andrea Jenkins, friend and former State Representative Linda Wejcman, her friend and former Senator Linda Berglin, her friend and former Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, and her lifelong friend and former Mayor Sharon Sayles-Belton.

Clorasteen also served as a Minnesota delegate to the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET). CARET’s work was to enhance national support and understanding of the land-grant’s involvement in food and agricultural systems.

Clorasteen always saw room for growth and shared her valuable insight with others. She worked to help improve the lives of all and particularly the underrepresented and often looked over, low and limited-income families. With added support of the Mayor’s office, the Boys & Girls Club of Minneapolis, Cargill and several others, Clorasteen spearheaded the development of The Kids Café, a successful after school program for children to not only learn about nutrition but also enjoy a good meal while learning.

Clorasteen and her husband Kenneth continued to enjoy life together and were complete soulmates. They created the perfect, loving balance for themselves and their family. They often would be  seen keeping their home on the Wilson Corner pristine or seen dancing together at the Nacirema Club. She even helped start a club for her friends and their husbands, The Uniques and Club 15 who hosted dance parties, family picnics, and other group events. Clorasteen also hosted monthly games with her bridge club. The joy and happiness could be felt around them. Clorasteen did all this while also working at the Univ. of Minnesota before retiring in January 1994. Unfortunately, Kenneth passed away in February of that same year.

Clorasteen was an avid and active volunteer and board member: 4-H, Way to Grow, United Way-Success by Six; Southside Neighborhood Housing Services, Southside Community Clinic, Alan Page Mentoring Program, Master Gardener Program for Parents & Youth; Minnesota Extension Services Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Hosmer Branch Library Volunteer, and many others.

Clorasteen was a strong, caring, honest, and loving woman, full of knowledge, wit, style and class. She took care in her words and actions and did everything with true intention. Clorasteen was a leader, mother and friend who always exemplified style and grace. Always!  She loved to garden, golf, swim, and take long walks especially around Lake Harriet and the Lyndale Park Rose Garden. She never grew tired of walking, she walked almost every single day. 

Clorasteen loved to listen to music and DANCE! She often was seen at live music events or special events that played music. Maybe you were blessed to have been on the dancefloor with her. Everyday she would put on her records and dance, and dance, and dance. Her first and favorite song played would be Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie, she and her husband’s favorite song.

Clorasteen was a Christian who truly loved the Lord.  Over the years, she taught Sunday School and Bible Study at St. James Lutheran Church. Since 1988, Clorasteen was a long-standing member at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church as well as attending services to fellowship with the congregations at Central Lutheran and St. Peter's AME Church. 

Clorasteen will surely be remembered and forever loved, respected, cherished and sorely missed by the entire community, her host of friends, and most immensely, her family and loved ones.

Clorasteen is predeceased by her husband Kenneth Wilson; her siblings, Joseph Scott Jr., Harry Scott, Nora McMillian, and C.B. Scott; her daughter, Patricia Holmes, her stepson Walter Wilson, her stepdaughter Beverly Morgan, and her granddaughter Kimberly Holmes.

Clorasteen is survived by her daughters, Peggy Jorgensen and Kimberly Wilson, her stepdaughter Kathleen Stanford; 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. 

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Clorasteen Wilson's life will be held on Friday, July 30th at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. South, Minneapolis. A public Visitation with the Family will be held from 1-1:45pm directly before a public Service and Reception from 2-4pm both of which are open to all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Clorasteen Wilson Black History Education Fund by contacting Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church,j attention Jonna Bundul.

Due to strict Covid-19 restrictions, a private burial service will take place prior to the Memorial Service.