Mrs. Vada Wilson

Born on March 2, 1928 in San Saba, Texas to Henry and Vada Williams. Vada was the 9th of 13 children. Vada moved to Dallas in 1940 and married Newton Wilson. She worked at Sears Roebuck and Company for many years until she retired. Vada strongly instilled in her family the value of education and hard work. She particularly stressed education due to the sacrifices that she had to make as a child that impacted her ability to complete school. She also stressed the importance of putting God first in all things as nothing can be done without him. Our grandmother was an avid lover of nature and animals. She fussed over her plants and trees and had a reputation of the Animal Whisperer. In her lifetime, she had many pets including Butch, Queenie, Trouble (dogs), possums, racoons, squirrels, and many felines including Velvet. She provided shelter and relief to many strays that she felt needed love and care. We were always amazed how she could calm vicious dogs and feed many squirrels, birds, and racoons from her hands. Our grandmother will always be commemorated for her love of God and caring spirit.

Vada was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Vada Williams; her husband, Newton Wilson; her son, Leroy Smith Jr.; brothers, George Williams, Richard Williams, Henry Williams, Abraham (AC) Williams, Sisters; Katherine Greenwood, Thelma Mabry, Cleo Mason, Anna Cheatham, Tommie Lee Kinmon, Dorothy Nell-Lawrence, Patricia Connors, and grandson, Todd Leroy Smith.

She leaves many to cherish her memories: brother, Charles Michael Williams and his lovely wife, Gwen Williams; two grandsons, Dwayne and Wayne Smith, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, many friends and acquaintances.