Priscilla Wilson, local motor mom, dies

Priscilla Wilson, whose business acumen and love of family, friends and motorcycles helped establish the downtown Moto Virginia dealership back in 2007 with KTM and Piaggio/Vespa and helped steer it through the 2008 financial crisis to it's current Airport Road location, died July 31.

"We regret to inform that we have lost a most valuable team member and mother," Moto Virginia's website sadly states. Priscilla Wilson passed away peacefully at the University of Virginia Hospital Saturday, July 31. She will be missed by all."

Ms. Wilson, whose entire family from husband to sons ride bikes both dirt and street, was diagnosed earlier in July with cancer. It was aggressive and she died three to four weeks later, family members said.

"It was so sudden. It's still a bit of a shock," said Dirk Wilson, Moto's manager in his typically understated fashion. "It's still fresh."

Ms. Wilson helped keep the store afloat when the financial markets collapsed in 2008 and GE Financial, the company that financed floor plans and inventory for thousands of businesses across the country, demanded the businesses either pay up what the owe in 30 days or return the inventory.

Few businesses had the cash on hand to pay off their inventory so most had to turn it over. Many lost their dealerships because of that.

Moto Virginia moved to family-owned property near the airport and set up shop. Dirk, Donnie and Widget are still wrenching at the store, working on KTMs, Vespas, scooters and specializing in older bikes as well.

Drop by and give them your respects.

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