Anne Veronica Yeomans Wilson, the wife of former president of Washington and Lee University, John Wilson (1983 to 1995), died March 17, 2019. She was 84.

She was born on September 22, 1934 in Newbury, Berkshire, a small town southwest of London.

Her daughter Sara noted that her mother's "childhood memories included the agrarian England culture of gardening and animals, tranquil family trips on canal boats in rural England, foxhunting, as well as the discordant interruption of taking cover from the frightening air raids of World War II."

She attended a girls' school outside Newbury, where she enjoyed literature and sports and occasional adventures to London and Ireland with friends.

In 1956, she met John Wilson at her father's golf club in Newbury, where he was stationed nearby as an Air Force intelligence officer. They married September 21, 1957.

Soon after, she left England to join him as he started his career in academic administration at Michigan State, though she forever after held onto her British identity (and accent) with great tenacity. When her husband became president of Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., from 1968 to 1975, she embraced the social and supportive role of a college president spouse with grace and a generous spirit, a family member said. When the couple moved to Virginia Tech in 1975, she became active in faculty clubs, garden clubs, the arts and community groups.

While "first lady" of W&L, Mrs. Wilson was known for her support of athletics and the arts and for her contributions in helping shepherd W&L through the challenges of co-education.

Upon her departure from W&L in 1995, the Alumni board of directors dedicated the renovation and landscaping of Traveller's grave (outside the Lee Chapel Museum entrance) in honor of her service to the university. "Anne Wilson," the statement read, "is a lover of animals who believes that their company and care enhance the human condition."

In 2006, the university dedicated the John and Anne Wilson Hall, the new home of the departments of art and art history and music, in the couple's honor.

As well as continuing to read avidly in retirement, she also enjoyed W&L's Alumni trips and summer education seminars and was a volunteer for the SPCA and Rockbridge area food pantry volunteer.

Mrs. Wilson is survived by her four children, Stephen, Anthony, Patrick, and Sara; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A private family-only graveside service was conducted. A celebration of life memorial date is yet to be determined.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.