Vivian Powell Wilson, of Hope, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021. She was born June 25, 1939, in Hope, the daughter of William Huron Light and Helen Turner Light Schooley. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Raymon Powell, and her brother, Wendell Light.
She is survived by her husband, John A. Wilson, her son, Steve Powell, and her sister, Audrey Keith. Steve shared “Aunt Vi” and her bountiful love with many nieces and nephews. She had a special relationship with her Light and Turner cousins and looked forward to every reunion with them.
Vivian graduated from Hope High School and Henderson State University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Education. After college, she married Raymon Powell and they moved to Marquette, Michigan during his service in the U.S. Air Force. After several winters in Michigan, she was ready to move back to the warm weather of Arkansas. Vivian, Raymon, and Steve lived off Highway 29 South, a mile from where she grew up. She loved being home in Hope, living close to her mother, and raising her family. After Raymon passed in 2000, Vivian reacquainted with John A. Wilson, a family friend and college roommate of her brother, Wendell. They married in 2006 and were able to spend many happy years together.
Many from Hope knew “Mrs. Powell” from her over 30 years of teaching business classes in the Hope Public Schools. You could often hear her in the halls of Hope High School with a “Hello Meanness” or experience a pinch on the back of the arm if you were not paying attention in her class. She loved teaching and delighted in seeing her students become successful contributors in the world. More than one of you is the smartest student she ever taught.
Giving back to the community merged perfectly with her interest in the Daughters of the American Revolution. She held many offices in the local John Cain Chapter. Her favorite responsibility the was annual DAR Good Citizens Award program at Hope High School and later at Spring Hill. She held the young recipients in high regard and had great expectations for each of them.
Vivian was a Christian and member of the First United Methodist Church of Hope. She loved to study the bible. She grew up in the First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill where she was the pianist and organist for many years. In her prime, you could always find her at the church concession stand during the festivals and rodeos at the Hope Fair Park.
The family graciously thanks the staff at Heather Manor for their loving care. During the pandemic, they were an even more important part of her care.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 12 – 1 p.m. at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Evening Shade Cemetery on Highway 29 South in Hope. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Hope or to the John Cain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, c/o Sandra May, 2802 Country Club Lane, Hope, Arkansas 71801.
Pallbearers are Don Keith, Max Light, Jason Powell, Chris Powell, Bill Jackson and Roy Whatley.
She was a special lady to many and will be greatly missed. She would want us to remember her flying down Highway 29 in her red Cougar with a candy bar and a Dr. Pepper. She would tell you to do what you want to do, wear your good jewelry, keep your foot off the pedal, and every once in a while, buy yourself a “perky.”
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