Vesta Carol Hillsamer Williams

Vesta Carol Hillsamer Williams, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, community volunteer, and special “mom” to many passed away peacefully on June 6, 2012. She was born on May 21, 1931 in Cushing, Oklahoma to the late Alva Lawrence Hillsamer and Neda McDonald Hillsamer.

She is survived by her four children, Rep. Geanie W. Morrison and her husband Jack, Jeff Williams and his wife Wanda all of Victoria, Carol Williams and her partner Chris Bird of Kingsbury, Wayne Williams and his wife Mary Catherine of Palo Alto, California; seven grandchildren Lauri Perry and husband Chris of Austin, Matt Morrison of San Antonio, Alex Williams and Jason Newbern of Victoria, Tammy Shamburger and husband Austin of Plano, Grace and Kate Williams of Palo Alto California; and four great-grandchildren Cole and Ella Perry, Madison Williams and Brooklyn Shamburger.

She is further survived by her sister Linda Pybus Glover and her husband Steven of Round Rock; nephews Charles Pybus and his wife Sue of Round Rock, John Pybus and his wife Vickie of Wylie, Johnnie Lee High and his wife Wilma of Yellville, Arkansas, Bobby King and his wife Sue of Bacliff, Gerald High of Dickinson; nieces, Zella Lue Rice and Nathalie Taylor, both of Dickinson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Eugene “Gene” Williams and her infant sister Alveda May Hillsamer.

Vesta grew up in Cushing and Drumright Oklahoma where her father worked for General American Oil Company. She graduated from Drumright High School and worked while Gene attended college in Arkansas. They moved to Victoria, Texas in 1954 when Gene began working for Union Carbide. Vesta worked for Victoria Bank and Trust from 1954 to 1959.

Vesta dedicated her life to serving family, friends, community, and her church. At First Christian Church in Victoria, she served as a member of the Diaconate, chairman of the membership and worship committees, as an officer of Christian Women’s Fellowship including President, and as church historian. She was awarded the Angell Award in 1987 and was honored as a Disciple Emeritus; she hosted a bible study in her home every Tuesday.

Vesta was a devoted Republican Woman. She served on the executive committee as secretary for six years, and was a Tribute to Women honoree at the TFRW luncheon in 2004 at the Republican State Convention for all of her volunteer hours. She served as a precinct chair, county convention delegate, state convention delegate, and phone bank co-chair since the mid 1990’s.

She was also a founding board member of the Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry, and volunteered weekly. Additionally, Vesta had been a member of Morning Study Club.

Vesta had countless special friends. Her family would like to acknowledge those who took care of her and made her life complete; the members of First Christian Church lead by Pastor Carol Cabbiness, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Victoria County Republican Women, Citizens Medical Center staff of the 5th and 6th floors, Dr. Jim and Susie Neumann, Jody Canfield, Justin Unruh, Lauren Simcik, the staff, past and present, of Blessed by the Gift/Bible Book Store and her four legged caretakers, Hershey and Toby. Vesta had unwavering confidence in Drs. Mohammed H. Sabbagh and Khiem Q. Vu and the family is eternally grateful for the excellent care provided and the level of compassion shown by both of these extraordinary men.

A visitation will be held at Rosewood Funeral Home 3304 Mockingbird Lane from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, June 11, 2012. A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday morning. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at Rosewood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include; Son-in-law Jack Morrison, grandsons; Matt Morrison, Chris Perry and Jason Newbern; great-grandson Cole Perry; nephews, Charles Pybus and John Pybus.

Honorary pallbearers include; grandsons Alex Williams and Austin Shamburger; granddaughters Lauri (Morrison) Perry, Grace Williams, Kate Williams and Tammy (Newbern) Shamburger; great-grandchildren Ella Perry and Brooklyn Shamburger.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, California, 90266 (www.pancan.org), Adopt a Pet, 8215 Houston Highway, Victoria, Texas 77901, Dorothy O’Connor Pet Adoption Center, 135 Progress Drive, Victoria, Texas 77905 or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Chapels, 3304 Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, Texas, 77904., 361/573-4546.