Joan-Bird-Wilson

    I, Joan (nee Bird) Wilson, am the oldest girl in a family of twelve (six boys and six girls)!

     In 1943 when I was eight years old my parents moved from Philadelphia to Somers Point, where I attended New York Avenue and Dawes Avenue schools, graduating 8th grade in l950. After two years at Ocean City High I transferred to Atlantic City VoTech to become a beautician.

     As it happens, I got married in September 1953. My husband Jerry had already been in the Navy for a year, serving on the destroyer USS STORMES from 1952 to 1956. When he was discharged Jerry and his brother were plumbers until December 1957, when he started working on the Garden State Parkway.

     Jerry had his first heart attack in 1976 and was forced into retirement. In October 1980 he suffered another heart attack, but with medication and diet he is well.

     I, on the other hand, worked as a waitress (Art's Seafood, Gregory's and Red Rooster), after which I worked at W. T. Grant's until October 1967, when I went to work for Shore Memorial Hospital in the Data Processing Department. There I stayed until I retired in 1990.

     Our daughter Ruth Ann, born May 1955, is married to Jesse Johnson and lives in Linwood. In November 1956 our first son Gerald, Jr., was born. He married Becky Holliday and they presented us with a grandson (Kevin) in October 1989. They have recently bought a house in Mebane, N.C.

     Steven, our second son, was born in June 1963 and is engaged to Mary Jean Printz (M.J.). They have a home in Somers Point.

     Our Bird family Christmas get-together was held at the #1 Somers Point Firehouse, as no one had a house that could accommodate everyone. As of this date there are 11 children, 29 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.