Obituary of Janet Eilene Pritz Wilson

Janet Eilene Pritz Wilson entered into her Lord’s presence April 2, 2023. She was born May 27, 1935 to Gertrude and Herbert Pritz in an area outside Terrero, NM known as Holy Ghost Canyon. As a young child she, her parents and her older brother Nelson moved to Carlsbad. She spent two years of her elementary education being home schooled due to rheumatic fever. As a result, she was ahead of her fellow students and graduated from Carlsbad High School at age 15.

As a child she was devoted to the study of piano which remained a passion throughout her life. She attended Mary Hardin Baylor University in Waco, TX and earned a degree in Biology. She was well-loved among her fellow students and was active in music and with the tennis team. She was a solo performer, and an accompanist to soloists and choirs. She taught piano throughout her adult life, but her true love was organ music and she served as church organist in many churches in TX and then in Oregon.

In 1956, she met her future husband, Al Wilson in Houston, TX. He heard her playing during a church service. He was a choral conductor and about to direct music during a revival series and needed an accompanist. He went home that evening, called his mother and told her he had met his future wife. Driving for several weeks, an hour each way every evening, gave them time to get acquainted and within three weeks they were engaged and two months later they married at First Baptist in Houston, TX. Two years later their first daughter, Martha was born, followed by daughter Melissa (Walker) 4 years later.

The family lived in TX until 1976 when Al’s job brought them to Portland, OR. Janet worked in various administrative jobs, but always her love was her role as church organist. She served as organist at Hinson Memorial Baptist and Grace Bible Church. After retirement, the couple spent several years living in Palm Desert in a community of Portland ex-pats and enjoyed the weather and community engagement. They moved back to Portland in the early 2000’s to be closer to family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother and husband. She is survived by her daughters, 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  

A concert, featuring organ, will be held in her honor at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock, Portland on Sunday, June 25 at 1pm.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Samaritan’s Purse.