Community pays its tribute to Jean Willson: a “remarkable woman in the field of learning disabilities advocacy”

More than a hundred people attended the funeral on Friday 10th January of Jean Willson, a renowned community activist who died in early December, aged 82. The service at St Lukes Church on Hillmarton Road was led by Rev Paul Adlington with friends, family and colleagues paying tribute to Jean’s exceptional life. Dozens also followed the service by online video stream.

Jean died asleep in her own bed after an evening out viewing the Christmas lights in London’s West End. Her husband Norman and daughter Tara had written that Jean “had been in hospital for a week late October but came out and was rallying round. Her wish was to pass away peacefully in her own bed in her own house. This she accomplished. Jean was a true organiser to the end. Her wishes were for a full and colourful service at St Lukes with all her family, friends and anyone that knew her.” Tara and Norman have also spoken movingly of the “wonderful help of St Lukes congregation, neighbours and friends” following Jean’s passing.

True to her famously colourful appearance and life outlook, her coffin was bright crimson. There will be a private cremation on Monday 13th January.

Former Islington Councillor, Carol O’Brien, spoke of Jean’s early struggles and campaigns as the mother of a severely disabled daughter, Victoria, who pre-deceased her by 14 years. Carol recalled Jean’s “infectious laugh, bright colours, her down to earth approach to life and her friendship”. She paid tribute to Tara and Norman who was “her rock and comfort”.

Dave Tomlinson, formerly a Minister at St Lukes, spoke warmly of Jean’s personality and her faith: “churches only thrive by action and Jean had that in spades; faith is ultimately about concern for others, she had goodness, passion and kindness and Jean had that ‘spiritual intelligence'”. Other speakers described her as a “formidable and fierce campaigner … always practical and well versed in tactics … feisty, articulate, always well informed, she was a crusader for change”.

Jean’s daughter, Tara, said: “mum was of humble working class origins in Islington, she had more chutzpah than anyone I’ve met, she was a prolific reader but her family couldn’t send her to university.” Jean became a qualified social worker but never moved from her roots and community. Born in Islington during the war, she lived on Cornelia Street and was proud to say she had never moved anywhere outside the same 300 yards in her whole life. Norman and Jean were a devoted couple who married in 1963.

She has been a prolific campaigner and writer, making films and speaking at conferences – giving a voice for many and improving the lives for children and people with learning disabilities. In 1995, she co-authored with Carol O’Brien and Pat Fitton “Home at Last” a book recounting the challenges of people living independently alongside 24 hr care and support. Her most recent work with NHS England, after the death of Victoria, was to improve the End-of-Life experience for those with learning disabilities.

Her community activism started in 1968. With support of other parents, Jean helped establish the Martin Luther King adventure playground which still flourishes today adjacent to Paradise Park and the Freightliners City Farm.

Jean was voted a Woman of the Year in 2010 and awarded an MBE the following year.

Tracy Seymour, acting CEO of Centre 404, has said that Jean was a “remarkable figure in the field of learning disabilities advocacy” having been the long-serving Chair and President of the organisation. Her journey with Centre 404 had spanned over five decades, during which she profoundly transformed the lives of countless individuals with learning disabilities and their families.

Tracey has recounted how Jean, in the 1970s as a young parent carer, sought support for her daughter, Victoria: “Her initial connection to the charity, borne out of her own challenges and experiences, marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to advocacy, fundraising and community building. Over the years, Jean became a cornerstone of Centre 404, serving in various roles as a volunteer, advocate, and campaigner, before ascending to the role of Chair and later President.” Jean stepped-down as president of Centre 404 in 2021 but continued to champion their vital work. Tracey says: “Jean leaves behind a legacy of hope, transformation, and enduring love for our community and beyond.”

Jean herself wrote a very moving account of her first encounters with Centre 404 and her role in the journey which has established it as an anchor Islington institution for people with learning disabilities. Her story was recognised in a 2008 documentary which highlighted the positive achievements of disabled people.

Daughter, Tara, says that her mum wrote an autobiography through a University of the Third Age creative writing class and the family hopes to publish it soon. That will be an inspiring read.