Chris Wilson Obituary

CHRIS WILSON was born on May 4, 1921 in Houston, TX and "hopped the twig" on Wednesday, January 28, 2004. A master in her field for more than 60 years, Chris worked in the performance and entertainment industry as an actor, director, producer and teacher. After graduating from the University of Houston, her professional experience encompassed Broadway, national touring companies, radio, television, summer stock, film and regional theatre, including the Alley Theatre, where she was an original company member and played leading roles in numerous productions, most notably the world premiere of Paul Zindel's Pulitzer Prize winning play, "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds", in which she created the role of Bea Hunsdorfer. She was the founder and Producing Director of Actors Theatre of Houston and Chris Wilson's Studio for Actors, Houston's foremost training center for actors. Chris was the only child of, and preceded in death by, Christie Williams and Grace Tompkins, as well as her stepfather Monroe "Monk" Wilson. She was also preceded in death by former husband, rancher and rodeo cowboy, Thaddeus Smith, Jr., and their son Christopher Draper "Dutch" Smith, airman, US Air Force. She is survived by her sons, Thaddeus "Bo" Smith, III, Chancellor of the Board of Regents of the University of Houston, and his wife, Josanna, Douglas and Suzanne Hegar, and actor Brandon Smith and his wife, Kate. She is also survived by the lights of her life, grandchildren Tempest, Thaddeus, Theo, Rachel and husband Bryan Chestnut, Melanie, Dana, Hank, Joel and Aimee. On August 3, 1994, after a 10-year courtship, Chris married her lifelong friend, James "Jimbo" Jeter. A professional relationship that began in 1947 and developed into a love for the ages. Jim and Chris built a theatre as well as a life together, and Jim adored and cared for Chris to the end of her gutsy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Her "theatrical" family will remember "Mama Bear" for her dynamic force as a director and educator, her passion for life, for her art, and for her love of her students, all of whom she considered her children. Our deepest, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Betty Halpern and Kadeshia Green for their many kindnesses, their love and their humanity. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at The Settegast-Kopf Co. Funeral Directors, 3320 Kirby Drive, followed by a graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway. In lieu of flowers, an endowment has been established for the University of Houston School of Theatre. To donate to the Chris Wilson and Jim Jeter endowment for Excellence in Theatre Fund, contact Nancy Clark, Director of Donor Relations, 713 743-8873.

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Published by Houston Chronicle from Feb. 1 to Feb. 2, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Chris Wilson

13 Entries

Alexandra Wax

February 14, 2004

Every Saturday, and then every Sunday morning from the time I was eight until I moved away from Houston at sixteen, there was ATH, and there were George and Foster, and in later years and advanced classes, Kate and Brandon, and always always always there was Chris: she reduced me to tears, gave me huge hugs, made me laugh, told me stories, and once offered to let me live with her. The theatre felt like my family and I learned so much about passion for craft and for life from Chris, even as a kid--every time I take a good audition or the lights go down before another performance, I think of her and what she, directly and indirectly, did for me, and hope she'd be proud of me. Those weekend mornings were one of the best things that ever happened to me, and Chris made that. Thank you, Mama Bear.

Martha Schlott (formerly Culpepper)

February 10, 2004

Dear Brandon and family,

You don't remember me, but I took classes with Chris for a few years in the 1980's. I know there is little I can add that hasn't already been said about her, but I know that as long as I live I could never, ever forget her. She was one-of-a-kind. I can still hear her voice and remember not only the valuable guidance she gave us, but the immeasurable love she had for us as well.

I wish that I had known about her passing in time to attend her memorial service, but please accept my condolences. You were blessed indeed to grow up with such a woman.

Sincerely,

Martha (Culpepper) Schlott

Sandy Campo Clay

February 9, 2004

Dear Brandon and all family,

My heart goes out to you at the loss of Chris. "Mama Bear" to us old studio 7 kids... She was and is a light and inspiration to live life with gusto and do your best. Thanks to her guidance I know many were touched and I am one who is very grateful to God for her... and for all the great times of self-discovery she fostered and just memorable good fun with hard work at Studio 7. The years of acting under her guidance further developed the creativity and compassion I use daily in helping others as a therapist now. I was so sorry I couldn't make her funeral, but offered special prayers for her that day. Her legacy lives on in all she touched and you all will remain in my prayers.

MUCH LOVE,

Gordon W. Mayne

February 7, 2004

Dear Jim, Brandon, and Family,

My heart is saddened with the news that Chris has taken her last curtain call on earth. I wish that I had known so that I could have expressed my deepest sympathy to you in person. Martha Culpepper-Schlott and I would on many a phone call always include our wondering about Chris. Now we know. I look forward to the time when I can once again be apart of her class, and hopefully this time I will be able to do a scene with her. Brandon I hope that I can see you when you are here for the premier of the latest Alamo. Please know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers during this most stressful of times. Sincerely, Gordon.

Dawn Walsh

February 6, 2004

Dear Jim and Brandon -

I just found out that Chris left us, and wanted to add my condolences to all the others -

I was just a student who passed through (as Dawn Phillips) and learned so much more about myself than I ever thought I would. Mostly, she taught me to follow my heart, which is what I did, thanks to her lessons, love and support. Just wanted you to know that you're all still in my heart. Love, Dawn

heman foster

February 6, 2004

Jim,Brandon and Family,

I am so sorry I did not make it to the services.I just found out.

I shall pray 4 u guys

LOVE,

Herman

Susan Terry-Wilhelm

February 5, 2004

Dear Brandon and family:

As a former Studio 7 student and cast member, I cannot tell you all how saddened I was to hear about Chris. I will never forget the years that we all spent together at the studio in the old Houston Music Theatre as well as on Westpark. Those were incredibly happy and fun memories. I gained so much knowledge about myself and what I was capable of and would not be the person I am today without the guidance of Mama Bear. She was truly a treasure in my life and in the lives of so many others.

Eddie Yarbrough

February 5, 2004

Brandon, Bo and all family members....I am a 2nd cousin on your dad's side. Brandon: Uncle Thad took us fishing in Cole Creek once when we were kids (we're about the same age). Bo: we met last year at Edna Mae's to visit with the no-show Richard Hoyt. Our families lost touch over the years, regrettably, but I can still remember seeing your mom at your folks' ranch. She wore a mink coat! In my young eyes, Christine instantly rose to glamorous star status--don't think anyone in my family had ever seen a mink coat except in the movies! As the years rolled by, I never lost my awe of your mom. Chris was loved and will be missed by so many. Having lost both my parents a few years ago, I offer my deepest and heartfelt sympathies. My brother, Thad Yarbrough, and I had hoped to attend the funeral service to honor her memory, but couldn't, unfortunately. If, in the future, you feel like visiting, would very much love to hear from you..... Eddie

Sharon Bennett

February 5, 2004

Dear Jim, Brandon, Kate,

She was a legend, a delight, a charmer, a character, a genius, a friend, a pleasure to be with and a gift to the theatre world. She will be missed, but fondly remembered by all. I treasure my memories of her and the many laughs we shared. My sympathies are with you all in these melancholy days.

Alex Bornhauser

February 3, 2004

hey Brandon i just heard about Momma bear and it just devastated me to hear that she had left us. I wish that i could be there in person to give my condolence. She was a great person and a wonderful teacher. i always enjoyed it when she took over my class even if it was just for one day, when the other person was sick she always had the best stories to tell. she will be with us forever. i will always remember her and everybody else from Chris Wilson studio. please give my regards to kate, jim, and george.

Penny Acord Walsh

February 3, 2004

Dear Brandon and family, I am a cousin on your Father's side of the family. I offer my sincere condolences to each of you on the loss of your Mother. There are no words to make it better, but wonderful memories are to be cherished by those closest to her. Penny Walsh

Jon and Molly Jenett

February 1, 2004

Dear Brandon and family - a call is on the way, but our deepest sympathies to you at this loss. Having lost my mom last summer, I know it is hard to put into words. I'm sure your mom is watching you all and smiling. Much love from the Jenett fmaily. Jon, Molly, Will, Ben, and Kelly

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