Wilcox, Velma L. (Huston)

WILCOX, HUSTON, DAY

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2005 at 17:50:46

Funeral services for Velma L. Wilcox, 96, of Pella, formerly of Kansas City, Missouri, were held November 17 at the Chapel of the Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella, the Rev. James R. Beranek officiated.

Interment was November 18 at the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Casket bearers were "Her Family".

Velma Louise Huston was born on November 11, 1906 at Hutchinson, Kansas. Velma was the youngest of eight children that were born to Izai Lemuel Huston and Laura Ellen (Day) Huston. She acquired polio at a young age.

Velma received her elementary education through the Hutchinson school system and later graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, MO. As a young lady, she danced professionally in numerous vaudeville style production shows across the Midwest. She was featured in the McCall-Bridge Ballet, who were in most cases graduates of well known schools of dancing and dramatic art. Such training was essential, as each week's production was worked out with such rapidity that only a finished dancer could grasp the routine.

On October 17, 1930 she was united in marriage with George Albert Wilcox at Kansas City. To this union one child was born: Carol Lynn on November 11, 1937. Velma and George lived in Kansas City for the rest of their married life together. George began working as a window designer for Berkson's Clothing Store. He later started his own design company, Wilcox Display Company which worked with several large companies in the Kansas City area, including Trans World Airlines (TWA) and Macy's.

Velma was very active in their business, attending to several duties. She cared for several of her family members while they were ill.

Then on November 1, 1982 George passed away on his birthday at the age of 76 years. Velma continued to live independently until her health necessitated more advanced care. On June 16, 1998 she moved to the Long Term Care Unit of the Pella Regional Health Center, where she passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2002 at the advanced age of 96 years and three days.

Velma found enjoyment in playing solitaire and wordfinds, and liked to attend garage sales. She will be remembered as a wonderful lady by her family with fondness.

She is survived by her daughter: Carol and her husband, Richard Sparks of Pella; four grandchildren and their spouses, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Velma was the last surviving member of her original family. Only a nephew Robert and his wife Lottie Lenager of Overland Park, Kansas survive.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband George, her parents, and all of her seven brothers and sisters.

Arrangements were handled by Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

The Pella Chronicle, November 22, 2002