Vivian Jacklyn Wilson

Vivian Jacklyn Wilson, substitute teacher for the Little Rock Public School District and beloved piano teacher, died at The Golden Living Center, Arkadelphia, on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on March 12, 1948, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Robert J. and Carola N. Wilson. Vivian joined Mt. Morriah Missionary Baptist Church in Arkadelphia at an early age. While at Mt. Morriah she served as secretary of the Sunday school, Director of the Young Adult Choir, secretary of the Junior Church and soloist of the Young Adult Choir. She also served as the Senior Choir musician. She attended Arkadelphia Public Schools and was graduated from Peake High School in 1966. Vivian was the lead soprano in the high school choir and she played clarinet in the high school marching band. Ms. Wilson attended Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) in Arkadelphia, for two years, and then later transferred to Philander Smith College in Little Rock, where she was graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1974. She was a vocal music major and was active in Opera Workshop, Ouachita Baptist University Choir, the Voices of Faith Choir, J. S. Newburn Gospel Singers, and the Philander Smith Collegiate Choir, and she later sang with the Art Porter Singers. She was also a soloist and member for the Saint Peter’s Rock Church Choir. Vivian has had the honor of singing “The Star Spangled Banner” for the Arkansas Democratic Party Convention in Hot Springs, in September 1974, and she sang “If I Could Help Somebody” for then Governor Bill Clinton’s inauguration ceremony in 1986. People often described her voice as angelic; one of her most requested renditions was “The Lord’s Prayer.” Vivan was preceded in death by her parents. Vivian leaves to celebrate and honor her life's journey, four brothers Vernon W. (Marcy) Wilson and their two sons Trébion and Trévon, Valencia, California; Robert Lawrence (Hazel) Wilson and their three daughters Robyn (Shaune) Beattie, Regina, Ravyn, and their granddaughter Abigael of Little Rock, Arkansas; Donnie R. (Darlene) Wilson of Burleson, Texas; Blake A. (Yvonne) Wilson and their daughter Shavonica of Arkadelphia; and sister Carolyn W (Barry) Myers of Blackjack, Missouri and their two children Jada P. (Jackie) Richardson and Jon P. Wilson. The Wilson family will greet family and friends on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 6:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Mt. Morriah Missionary Baptist Church. A Celebration in honor of her life will be held in the Mt. Morriah Missionary Baptist Church, 626 Mt. Morriah Road, Arkadelphia,where Rev. Vernon Moody, Sr., is pastor, on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Jesse L. Newborn preaching words of comfort and hope. Committal service & Final Resting place will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Arkadelphia (Joan Community), Arkansas. Bearers of the Casket are Marlon Morgan, Haja Newburn, Josh Newburn, Jon Paul Wilson, Trébion Wilson and Trévon Wilson. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds may be made to the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 5600 12th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204-1717 or United Negro College Fund, Attn: Denise Scott, Direct Response Programs, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, P.O. Box 10444, Fairfax, Virginia 22031-8004.