Vivian L. Wilson

ODESSA — Vivian L. Wilson, 86, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2004, at Hospice House. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, July 2, at the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating.
Vivian was born June 1, 1918, in the mountains of El Vado, N.M. In her early years, her father’s bookkeeping work and wanderlust took her family to live in scenic places far and wide — from New Mexico to Wyoming. They made their way to Iowa Park, Texas, in 1925 and finally settled in Vernon, Texas, in 1935. As a young girl, Vivian described herself as a tomboy. However, in high school, she blossomed into a very beautiful and popular young lady. She graduated from Vernon High in 1936. Her husband, James “Bud,” was a high school athlete from Frederick, Okla. They met through interstate school rivalries. Interestingly, both Vivian’s and Bud’s parents migrated west from Tenn. Bud managed to win her heart in marriage in 1936. Early on, they lived in Ardmore, Okla. Business opportunities took them to Midland, Texas, in 1944 and World War II brought Bud into Army service, stationed at Midland Air Field. After the war, they settled in Midland.
They started their family in 1947. Bud had a Texaco service station in the early ’50s and later went to work for Wells Oil Company. He died in 1962 and Vivian raised her 3 sons by herself. Vivian was a very spiritual woman and student of the Bible. She raised her sons accordingly. They were members of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Over the years, however, she developed a strong affinity for the Jews and their struggles. Indeed, she subscribed to the Jerusalem Post and kept close touch with news from Israel. She often supported her convictions with donations to various Jewish causes. One of her greatest regrets was not making a scheduled trip to the Holy Land. She had a faith and will of steel, which sustained her through the toughest of times. She will always be a witness to strength of character and an inspiration to all that knew her. Her legacy will endure.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Wilson Sr. “Bud” and her granddaughter, Julie Wilson. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Doug and Marlene Wilson of Houston, Steve and Debi Wilson of Odessa and Mike and Pam Wilson of Odessa. Additionally, she has six grandsons, Greg Johnson and wife, Kim, of League City, Texas, John Wilson and wife, Robin, of Leander, Texas, Sean Wilson and wife, Crystal, of Nashville, Tenn., Brian Wilson of McKinney, Texas, Chris Wilson of Melissa, Texas, and Scott Wilson and wife, Jayme, of Odessa. Also, there are four great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to her caregiver, Socorro Mauricio. Socorro’s care went beyond the call. Also, the family wishes to thank the good people at Hospice House for their kindness and generosity. Please consider them as a worthy beneficiary of your donations.