February 10, 1932 — January 25, 2019
Dr. Ida-Lorraine Jules Wilderson peacefully passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019 in her Minneapolis, Minnesota home. Born February 10, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ida-Lorraine was 86 years old.
She was predeceased by her parents, Emily and Henry E. Jules, Sr., and her five siblings: Adrienne Jules Young, Linda Jules Adams, Inez Jules Davis, Henry E. Jules, Jr., and Weldon James Jules.
Ida-Lorraine is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Dr. Frank Benjamin Wilderson, Jr. She is also survived by her son Frank Benjamin Wilderson, III (62), daughter-in-law Anita Wilkins; daughters Fawn Elizabeth Wilderson (61) and Amy Althea Cousin (56); son-in-law Tyrone Cousin; son Wayne Henry Wilderson (53); six grandchildren, Reba Wilderson, Maarya Cousin, Shaa’ya Cousin, Ijaaz Cousin, Manaal Cousin, and Esau Cousin; and great-granddaughters Bontle Wilderson and Violet Ruby Johnson; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Having graduated from Xavier University Preparatory School (now known as St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School), Ida-Lorraine attended Xavier University in New Orleans, taught four years in the Orleans Parish Public Schools, and then went on to study at the University of Chicago. Following that, she obtained her master’s degree in child development from the University of Michigan and then attended the University of California, Berkeley. She then went on to receive her Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota.
She and Frank and their three young children — Frank (“Frankie”), Fawn (“Wanda”), and Amy (then six months old) — moved to Minneapolis in 1962. Ida-Lorraine worked as a coordinator in the Minneapolis Public School System Department of Special Education, as well a principal of many of the system’s schools. Ida-Lorraine was also a child development specialist in the Greater Minneapolis Daycare Association.
Upon retiring from the Minneapolis Public Schools, she practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist alongside her husband. She was a founding member of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the Links, Inc.; a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA); president of both Minnesota and Minneapolis chapters of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She was a life member of the Mpls/St. Paul Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. since 1999, serving as editor of their Chatterbox/ Chatterletter and working on this committee as chair and co-chair until 2018.
She was a member of the Twin Cities Chapter of Jack & Jill; a board member of the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library; a board member of the Overseers for the St. John’s University School of Theology and Seminary; a member of the Twin Cities Motorhome Camping Club; and a member of the board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. She and her husband Frank were co-chairs of the Archdiocese Annual Catholic Appeal.
She was a member of the League of Women Voters; vice-president of the Urban League; a longtime member of the Basilica Choir; a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; an experienced notary public and loan signing agent; and a member of the Parish Council of The Basilica of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She traveled extensively with her family throughout the USA, Europe, Russia and Asia, giving talks on child development and education.
She is missed by family, friends, and many associates.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Saint Vincent De Paul Shoe Ministry at The Basilica of Saint Mary, or
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This former University of Minnesota graduate of the class 1975 is sadden to read of Dr. Frank Wilderson Sr. beloved wife, friend and long time mate has made her transition. As a undergraduate student along with others were invited to the Wilderson’s home for lunch and networking. Mrs. Wilderson was thoughtful and hospitable. Many my former mentor and advisor Dr. Wilderson Sr. and his family stay strong and keep the faith during this time of emotional hardship.