Vivian Cooksey Gilbert

Vivian Cooksey Gilbert, 94, resident of San Angelo since 1950, passed away at her home on Sunday, December 4, 2016. She was born to the late, Thomas Larkin “T.L. or Tom” and Ruby lee Westerman Cooksey on May 29, 1922 in Lamesa, Texas. Vivian was a strong willed lady with an independent streak a mile wide. It is not surprising to those who knew her to learn that although she wasn’t allowed to land the planes during WWII, that she did fly them. Vivian married the love of her life, Ira B. Gilbert on May 28, 1960 in Big Lake, Texas. Vivian was the kind of person that you never worried about what she might be thinking, she let it be known. She worked over 15 years as the secretary for the VP of the Central Bank before “retiring”. She stayed busy throughout her life-time, as a matter of fact; she was still mowing her own lawn just a month prior to her passing. Vivian was one few to reach the age of 94 and still pass both the written and driving tests so she could continue to drive with her license. She enjoyed painting and raising her prize winning Boar goats for many years. She was a member of Grape Creek Baptist Church. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Ruby Ann Brown and Don Cooksey; and her favorite dogs, Monkey and Gizmo, whom were treated to countless home-cooked roasts over the years because Vivian said they did not care for dog food. She left a mark on those around her that will forever be remembered.

Survivors include her niece and nephew, whom she loved dearly, Lori Cooksey Torbert and her husband, Lonnie, and Dennis Brown and his wife, Gail; two great nephews, Michael and Christopher Pennington; and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be a time of visitation from 6-8pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in the Christoval Cemetery with Rev. Brad Winchester officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of San Angelo (HOSA).The family would like to thank Dr. Minney, Dr. Cummings, and all the nurses on 6 West at Shannon Hospital along with the Visiting Angels and Sylna Rodriguez, CNA, for all their care. Family and friends are encouraged to share the many memories and stories about Vivian as well as sign the online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo.