April Michelle Wilson, 54, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home surrounded by loved ones.
April was preceded in death by her mother Rose Castellano Wilson. She leaves behind her dearest friend Barbie Ward; her father Joseph Wilson; her siblings Joseph A Wilson, Linda (Wilson) Mullican, Jeff and Cynthia (Wilson) Littmath, Jennifer (Wilson) Maldanado, Scott Wilson and Sami and Sophia (Wilson) Naseem; her nieces and nephews Joey Mills, Jimmy Oaks, Jennifer Oaks, Olivia (Oaks) Allen, Christopher Melendez and Emily Maldanado.
April was not one to sugarcoat things or paint a rosy picture; instead, she embraced life as it was, unapologetically and unfiltered. Her passion for dancing transcended any social norms or expectations. Whether she was the only one on the dance floor or surrounded by a crowd, April showed us that embracing the present, no matter how imperfect, was a dance worth having.
April had an infectious laugh, which reminded us that life wasn't always smooth sailing, but there was always room for a genuine laugh, even in the face of adversity.
In her college days, April had a unique way of looking at the world. Her performances, especially her wicked witch impersonation from the Wizard of Oz, complete with a maniacal laugh, showcased her creativity and love for making people smile.
April was a traveler at heart, exploring both the familiar and the unknown. From the glittering lights of Las Vegas to the serene shores of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico, she dipped her toes into the vast beauty of the world. Train rides were not just a means of transportation for her; they were adventures waiting to unfold. Whether it was the journey from Raleigh to Charlotte or a notorious train ride to Florida with her sister Cindy, April cherished every moment of exploration.
Surf City held a special place in her heart, perhaps because of her love for fried oysters, a passion she carried throughout her life. April's culinary adventures extended beyond restaurants as she fearlessly entered chili cook-offs at work, once even adding a plastic mouse to her crockpot, showcasing her playful spirit and sense of humor.
Professionally, April found her calling in photogrammetry and excelled in her field. She was not just good at what she did; she was exceptional. Her talent and dedication were evident, and she was fortunate to have discovered her niche young.
April's curiosity about the world around her was insatiable. Whether window shopping or trying new recipes, she approached life with an open heart and a thirst for knowledge. Her genuine interest in people and the world was a testament to her warm and compassionate nature.
April, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to dance in our hearts forever. May you find eternal peace.
