Wilson, Brenda Lee (nee: Vaughn)

Brenda Lee Wilson was born on March 8, 1950 in Hanford, California to Melvin and Janet Vaughn. She was raised in Kettleman City, California and attended Kettleman City Elementary School, Avenal High School where she was Homecoming Queen and Captain of the Cheer Team. She attended both West Hills College as well as University of Phoenix. She grew up working at her father’s Chevron service station, selling candy and sodas, pumping gas and changing tires. Following graduation from high school, Brenda was introduced to her husband, Roger Owen Wilson, Jr. They would eventually marry on June 22, 1968.

In 1973, Brenda and Roger welcomed their son Melvin Scott Wilson followed by their eldest daughter, Jennifer Suzanne Wilson in 1976 while living in Silver Springs, Maryland.  In 1977, the family moved to Kayenta, AZ where they lived on a Navajo Indian Reservation for Roger’s work where rattlesnakes were a gift from the boy next door, thus reinforcing Brenda’s fear of snakes.

A brief move in 1978 sent the family to Inola, Oklahoma but was cut short, again, due to Roger’s work. For a little over a year, the Wilson family called Prospect Heights, Illinois home. Finally, in 1979, Roger, Brenda, Scott and Jennifer settled back in Inola where Roger and Brenda were blessed with their third and “favorite” child, Shannon Marie Wilson, in 1983.

Brenda made a lifelong impact on the Inola Community. Volunteering as Scott’s Cub Scout, Den Leader and Jenni’s Cheerleading Coach for the Gregory Elementary School Hornets, kids danced to Brenda’s rendition of “Greased Lightning”, choreographed by Brenda as Shannon flitted along the sidelines in a Green and White striped Hornet Mascot costume, complete with wings, hand made by Brenda.

Brenda was a devoted mother and sports fan and made sure to attend all her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She was especially proud of the day she traveled to three different cities in one day to make sure she was in the stands to cheer on each of her kids individually. She made each of us feel important.  Brenda served as the Office Manager at Process Pipe Fabricators in Claremore, Oklahoma for many years and later as a Manager at Cherokee Casino in Catoosa.

Brenda cared for her husband Roger deeply. They traveled with their children to Mexico several times, across the United States, and spent many weekends at the lake with friends. She stood by his side as he battled cancer twice, but eventually lost him in 1992.  In 1995 Brenda traveled with Jennifer and the Kansas City Express on a European Softball Tour. As Jenni played ball, Brenda danced in the rain in the Netherlands, visited a stinky cheese factory in a windmill, and climbed the steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre in Paris. She had the time of her life with the other Softball Moms.

In 2009, Brenda moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she worked for Webster Groves School District. She enjoyed her friends and coworkers in the Central Office and throughout the district. She was especially proud of being a member of the “A” Team at the high school and looked forward to working the concession stand. It truly made her feel a part of the community. She retired from Webster Groves School District in 2022. Brenda loved BINGO and gathering people to laugh, eat and enjoy each other’s company. From hosting “Club Wilson” campfire sing-alongs in Oklahoma, to St. Louis DIVA nights, filled with wine and games, she was always in for a great party. Brenda loved to talk about Aliens, UFO’s, the elusive Big Foot and anything ghost related. She was funny, entertaining and possessed a cackling laugh that would rival any witch.

Brenda brought joy to her home through elaborate holiday decorating that she passed down to all three of her children.  Her house felt smaller and cozier during the holidays as smells of cinnamon and mulled wine wafted through the air. Decorations filled every nook and cranny. She was known for hosting creative birthday parties, prom parties, Halloween Horror Haunted Walks in the woods and homemade costumes that had people asking, “Has anyone seen Brenda?”

Brenda was overwhelmingly proud of her children and grandchildren. She told everyone that would listen about her son who currently serves in the United States Navy, her middle child who is an Art Teacher, and her youngest who runs the Webster Groves School District Alumni Office. She loved her grandkids and bragged about Lexi’s basketball skills, Duke’s floor hockey skills and Wyatt’s wise cracking jokes.

In her final years she was able to spend time in Florida with both of her oldest children and her granddaughter Lexi. Brenda moved back to Missouri this past year where she worked part time at Webster Groves School District and Manor Grove Retirement Village in Kirkwood, Missouri. She was blessed to spend time with her grandkids, Duke and Wyatt while there. Brenda made friends everywhere with everyone, and she will forever be missed.

Brenda Lee Wilson, Momma, Nane, passed away peacefully in her sleep on 18 July 2024. Brenda is survived by her son, Melvin Scott Wilson, his wife Jena; her daughter Jennifer Vanderwalker, her husband Jake, and their child Lexi; her daughter Shannon Daniel, her husband Gilbert, and their children Duke and Wyatt.

SERVICES: Visitation for St. Louis friends and family will be held August 24th from 10am-noon, followed by a memorial service at noon at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63123. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNDM1ODQ5NDMyNDkyOCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Brenda will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband on August 27, 2024 in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Visitation and memorial service for Oklahoma friends and family will be held August 27th at Rice Funeral Home Chapel, Claremore, from 10am-noon, followed by the memorial service at noon. Interment and graveside service will immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Claremore.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brenda’s honor to a charity close to your heart.