Vernice Emma Hengst Wilson, age 88 of Houston, TX - The Lord, with his compassion and understanding, peacefully called Vernice to her eternal rest while surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Houston, TX.
Vernice was the youngest of twins born April 9, 1933, and baptized July 4, 1933 in Schulenburg, TX. Two months before WWII (in 1941), Vernice’s parents relocated their family of 5 to The Heights in Houston, TX, which ultimately proved to be the family’s saving grace for survival during the Great Depression. Vernice was confirmed on March 30, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was a loyal member for 74 years. She attended Immanuel Lutheran School and was a proud student of Immanuel’s first graduating Class of 1947. Within Vernice’s Immanuel social life, she and her twin, Bernice, thoroughly enjoyed their “identical” features and often played innocent tricks on teachers, fellow students, and later on - even boyfriends. Vernice is a 1951 graduate of Reagan High School in Houston, TX. After high school, she obtained her Cosmetology license and worked with her sisters at her eldest sister’s hair salon in Merchant Park. In 1954, Vernice met the love of her life, Dick (Richard) A. Wilson, at the Cadet Club at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, TX, whom she married in 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The loving couple are blessed with two children, “Dickie” Richard A. Wilson, Jr., and Glenda Wilson Anderson.
After Dickie was born in 1956, Vernice dedicated her life to becoming a meticulous homemaker and took pride in everything she tasked. In her active adult years, she nurtured not only her numerous flowerbeds and rock garden, but also maintained their home lawn with the utmost of care. She enjoyed physical fitness activity before it became commercialized, and spending time with close family and friends was a priority. Vernice always impressed everyone with her impeccable memory and storytelling. She enjoyed singing in Immanuel’s church choir and was always assisting her children & grandchildren with church, school and sports activities, serving as their #1 fan. Vernice delighted in helping Dick research their family’s genealogy history and cherished their time together. Square/Round Dancing was a highlight for the loving couple in the 60s. Facing numerous health challenges early on, Vernice found her calling by providing loving childcare for 5 decades to 40+ children. In her later years, reading was her go-to pastime, and when her eyesight diminished, she enjoyed her time with Dick listening to CD books, Astros games, and narrated TV Detective stories for entertainment. Vernice cherished her most important roles as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and was a loving MeeMaw to countless family generations. She invested her whole heart by providing tender care, all the while, teaching kindness, patience and forgiveness by example, always demonstrating unconditional love for anyone, young or old, that crossed her path.
Vernice is predeceased by her loving husband and companion of 65+ years, “Dick” (Richard) A. Wilson, Sr.; parents, Otto Herman Hengst and Frances Anna Stoever Hengst; twin sister, Bernice Hengst Pelzl, sister, Junelle Hengst Domain; in laws Oliver and Christine Wilson; sister in laws, Vonnie Hengst, Pamela Wilson, Barbara Garrett, Shirley Wilson; and brother in laws, Bill Hughes and Oliver Wilson, Jr.
Vernice is survived by her two children, “Dickie” Richard A. Wilson, Jr. and wife, Cindy, and Glenda Anderson and husband, Rick; grandchildren, Michael (Mackenzie), Joshua, Randall (Morgan), Lauren (Sam), and Whitney; and great-grandchildren Brian, Jayden, Audrey, Anderson and Brooks. Vernice is also survived by brother, Gene Hengst (Houston, TX) and sister, Ellene Hengst Hughes (Plano, TX). Brother in laws, Jim Wilson (Knoxville, TN), Walter Wilson (Cheri) (Knoxville, TN), Sonny Garrett (Knoxville, TN); and by sister in laws, Dorotha Howard (Hollywood, FL), Catherine P'Simer (Bill) (Charlotte, NC), Katie Seals (Sid) (Oneida, TN), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many other close relatives and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Vernice Wilson to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1441 Arlington St., Houston, TX 77008.
The Committal Service: Mrs. Vernice Wilson’s earthly remains will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, Houston, TX immediately following service.
Pall Bearers: Michael Wilson, Randall Anderson, Sam Wheeler, Jim Pelzl, Reese Brown, and Kent Kiesewetter.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Phil Hughes, David Wilson, Manny High, Howard Tenney, Larry Chandler, James Kiesewetter, Jody Oppelt, Curtis Blankenship, Ken Kolb, Layne Tand, and Alan Poindexter.
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