Janet Bailey Wilson, age 82, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was born on February 2, 1943, to the late Henry Bailey and Dorothy Glenn Smith Bailey. Janet was raised in McKeesport on Mary Street alongside her siblings in a close-knit community where neighbors treated one another with kindness and respect.

As children, Janet and her siblings spent their days playing by the riverfront—fishing, floating on rubber tires, skating at local rinks, and attending dances. Janet also enjoyed going to the Memorial Movie Theater with her siblings and friends. She was the second youngest of four children and was known for being both pretty and tough. Janet loved to fight and was especially known as the fierce protector of her youngest brother, Robert. Janet and her sister Barbara were known as the fighters of the family.

Janet was a graduate of McKeesport High School. After graduation, she traveled to Chicago, where she attended Gerard’s Cosmetology School. She later continued her education at Gerard’s Cosmetology School in California. Janet went on to build a career as a hairstylist and later worked in the healthcare field as a patient care technician. Janet also traveled the world during her marriage to her beloved husband, Albert Leon Wilson, who preceded her in death. Albert was a celebrated Sergeant General in the United States Marine Corps. Together, they traveled to Hawaii, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and many other places.

In addition to her professional talents, Janet had a deep love for sewing and fashion. She designed and sewed many of her own clothes and had an eye for style that was far ahead of her time. Janet was known for her creativity, confidence, and unique sense of fashion that set her apart wherever she went. Janet was a faithful member of Word of Life Prayer Chapel in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where the late Pastor Naomi Ruth Brown and John Brown Jr. were affiliated.

Janet peacefully transitioned on January 4, 2026, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Leon Wilson; her son, Lamont S. Wilson; her parents, Henry and Dorothy Bailey; her sisters, Geraldine Bailey and Barbara Murphy, both of McKeesport. 

Janet leaves to cherish her memory her children, Andrea Wilson and Adelbert Wilson, both of McKeesport, and Margo Willis of California; grandchildren: Desirae Beatty (Wayne Beatty) of North Braddock; Rochelle Willis of Homestead; Raquel Willis of McKeesport; Timmara Wilson of Homestead; Latifah Wilson of California; Jordan Hann of California; Jade Dezmen; Tia Vaoiva (Vienna Vaoiva), Noah Vaoiva, and Janei Taza Vaoiva, all of Portland, Oregon; great-grandchildren: Yasmin Beatty and Wayne Beatty Jr. of North Braddock; Djay Thomas Willis of California; Imari Willis of Homestead; Raymond, Rayshaun, Raymier, Marquel, and Malik of Pittsburgh; Aryana Rose Wilson of McKeesport; and Jesiah Vaoiva and Vaiana Vaoiva of Portland, Oregon. Halo love Hanns of California; her brother, Robert Byrd (Janis Byrd), brother-in-law, Lavel Murphy; host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.