Bettye Camille Wilson
Bettye Camille Wilson, born Sept. 30, 1954, changed her address from Vernon, Texas to the streets of gold on Feb. 4, 2020. Camille’s life made a profound impact on everyone she loved and she will be forever missed. She taught us how to love, nurture and the show the love of Christ in her words and actions. Vernon, Texas was the scene of her birth and she lived there for more than half of her life. Camille graduated from Vernon High School in 1973, received her associates’ degree from Vernon College two years later and her elementary education degree from Texas Tech University in 1978.She began her teaching career in Levelland in 1979.For over 30 years, Camille loved being a first-grade teacher at West and South Elementary in LISD. Education was her “calling” and she enjoyed every student that graced her classroom. Even when the children promoted from grade one, they did not leave her influence, Their birthdays were remembered and every success was noted by their former teacher. Each May Camille would host a graduation party for those seniors who had begun their education with her. This relationship between teacher and student continued long after commencement. Camille followed them on Facebook and celebrated their successes, occupations, travels and children. Her faith strongly impacted her life. The Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church in Vernon and St. Michael’s Church in Levelland were the two churches of which she was a member. Camille enjoyed the companionship of the nuns who were based in Levelland and made many trips to meetings with them. The Pro-Life movement was dear to her heart; and, she participated in marches in Lubbock supporting this belief. Camille loved people and had numerous friends of all ages. She touched many lives with her kindness and generous heart. Through her virtues of devotion and service to her family and friends, Bettye Camille Wilson has provided a legacy for living a meaningful Christian life. Survivors include Mia, a very special four-legged companion, her brother, Tommy Wilson of Vernon; brother Kyle Wilson and Heidi of Keller; and sister Laura Beebe and David of El Dorado, Arkansas. Nephews are Daniel Wilson of Keller and Wilson Beebe of San Francisco, California. Rebekah Wilson of Keller was her niece. Leon Pechacek and Ginger of Quanah, an aunt and uncle, are also family members as well as aunt, Dorothy Henderson, of Wichita Falls. Preceding Camille in death were her Mother and Father, Marge and Warren Wilson. Many cousins and countless friends also survive Camille.A funeral mass will be held on Feb. 27, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church in Vernon. The family will receive friends in the parish hall following the service.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camille’s favorite charities: Wilbarger Humane Society or the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Ps. 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servant.”