Obituary of Theodore O. Wilder, Jr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness judge give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing.”  2 TIMOTHY 4:7-8

Theodore “Teddy” O. Wilder, Jr. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, answered the call from our Heavenly Father, at Chesapeake Health & Rehabilitation Center.  He was called to rest after a courageous battle with heart disease.  His life began February 20, 1950, in Norfolk, Virginia and was blessed to be a son of the late Edith A. Wilder and Theodore O. Wilder, Sr.

Teddy was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA.  He was educated in Virginia Beach Public Schools.  He was one of the Fearless Thirty-Eight (38) who desegregated the Beach Schools in 1962.  He graduated from Princess Anne Training School and continued his education at Norfolk State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.  He retired after 36 years of hard work and dedicated service as the Executive Director for the Employees’ Retirement System for the City of Norfolk.

It would be wrong to say that Teddy lost his battle because he never stopped fighting.  No matter how sick he was, he was determined to win the battle.  He finished the race and crossed the finish line and won the victory.

Teddy committed his life to Christ at an early age and was a faithful, dedicated member of The Historic First Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA.  He was a member of the Men’s Chorus, Male Usher, Finance Team, One of the original Elders of the Newly Incorporated Church and former Chair of the Trustee Board.

Teddy was a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  He served in many capacities within the fraternity.  He served as Basileus, Vice Basileus and Keeper of Finance.  He received several awards just to mention a few: Founders award for service to Lambda Omega, Scroll of Honor for services rendered as a member of the District Council, Omega Man of the Year, Superior Leadership award and Unsung Hero award.

Teddy is remembered as a man of enduring faith, who was dedicated to his family.  He had a generous and kind spirit and would do anything for his fellow man.  We will miss his easy going and loving demeanor, warm smile and encouraging words.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Shelia W. Wilder, daughter, Melanie W. Sears (Robbie) granddaughter (The Princess) Ellise Sears, sister, Carolyn W. Gregory, nieces, Erica and Edith Gregory, nephew, Dennis Gregory (Keyana) aunt, Grace P. Ponton (Eugene) of Richmond, VA brothers in law James Wilson (Valerie) Michael Wilson, Dwight Wilson (Sheila) and Donald Wilson and a very special friend Marilyn Medley and a host of relatives and a wide circle of friends.