Tributes paid to popular teacher and hockey player

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well known local teacher who passed away yesterday (Monday, November 11).

Mrs Jillian Wilson (nee Adams) died peacefully at her Derryhale home.

A family death notice stated, “Jillian Rebecca, 11 Beauwood, Derryhale Road, Portadown, beloved wife of Gethin, dearly loved mother of Bryn and Davyd, cherished daughter of Heather and Horace, devoted sister of George, Paul, Elaine and Kathryn.

“Funeral service in Markethill Presbyterian Church on Thursday 14th November at 1.00pm followed by a private family interment.

“House private.

“Family flowers only please donations in lieu if desired for Marie Curie c/o K G Cheevers and Son, Funeral Directors, 28 Dobbin Street, Armagh, BT61 7QQ.

“Lovingly remembered by her sorrowing husband, family and the entire family circle.”

Among the first to pay tribute was Belfast Royal Academy, where she taught, “We are extremely saddened to hear about the death earlier today of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Jillian Adams.

“Ms Adams had taught Business Studies in Belfast Royal Academy for over 28 years.

“She was an expert and diligent subject specialist who had high expectations of her pupils and always encouraged them to achieve more.”

Jillian had held the role of Head of Careers since 2007 and the school said she excelled in this crucial area of school life.

They added, “She ensured that Academy pupils received the best possible careers guidance and she took this onerous responsibility extremely seriously by providing appropriate and relevant experiences of the workplace, utilising our extensive alumni network to provide careers talks on a variety of topics and preparing pupils for competitive courses through mock interview experiences.

“Her personal interest in supporting pupils who were applying for nursing and health related courses was reflected in the high success rate of applications to these professions.”

Throughout her long career, she held other roles of responsibility including Head of Year, Head of House and teacher in charge of the showjumping team.

The school said, “She was a talented sportswoman and played hockey to a high level both at school and club level and therefore she was a natural choice for delivering the Games programme which she did with enthusiasm and skill.

“Above all, she was a loyal and dearly beloved friend to so many members of the Academy community. Jillian was a stalwart of the many social activities that took place amongst the staff and was always at the centre of fun and laughter in the staffroom.

“ Her kindness, ability to not take herself too seriously and loyalty ensured that she was a popular colleague.”

Due to ill-health, Jillian retired from teaching earlier this year but retained a keen interest in all Academy-related business.

The school said, “She faced her medical prognosis with characteristic bravery and good humour and was always delighted to welcome colleagues who called at her house.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her husband Gethin, children Bryn and Davyd (both Academy alumni), her parents and the wider family circle.

“She touched the lives of so many pupils and colleagues and we are all the richer for having known her.”

Jillian was a former layer with Armagh Hockey Club and they also paid tribute, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Jillian Wilson (Adams) today.

“Jillian played for our ladies’ team for many years and helped lay the foundation of a new era of hockey in Armagh.

“Hockey runs in the Adams’ family. Jillian’s father Horace was our former Club President and her sons, sisters, nieces and nephews all played for the club.

“Jillian will be remembered for her speed down the right wing, her infectious good humour and for being a positive role model and great friend to all.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gethin, Bryn and Davyd, and the wider family circle at this very sad time.”

Christine Russell at CR Hockey said she had many fond memories of Jillian from childhood, adding, “She encouraged me then and was always full of praise in later years about CR Hockey.

“Thinking of her entire family circle at this very sad time.”