Lucy Wilkinson

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Lucy Wilkinson, who left us on February 25, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on September 13, 1936, to John and Myrtle Vidos in Morgan City, Louisiana, Lucy was one of thirteen children, seven boys and six girls: Frederich, Melvin, John Jr., James, Rosemae, Mary Ann, Betty, Lucy, Jerry, Carl, Wayne, and Faith. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Ann Prado, Betty Houghtaling, and Faith Boynt, and her brother, Jerry Vidos.

Her father and mother moved to Brownsville, Texas, when she was in high school, where she eventually met and married the love of her life, William W. Wilkinson of Kingsville, Texas. They moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, but later settled in Harlingen, Texas, where they raised their twins, William, Jr. (deceased) and Dana. She devoted herself to raising the twins with the help of her mother and sisters living in Brownsville and enjoyed many holidays with her family and sister trips. Being with family was the time that was treasured the most.

She loved the outdoors and spending time with her family, including weekends at the farm, fishing, and playing cards at her sister Liz Gayman’s house in Brownsville. She also developed friendships, over the years, spending time playing bridge and acquiring a love of tennis, during which she competed in many tournaments and ranked in doubles.

She devoted herself to her family and to attending St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where she met her close winter Texas friends, Ron Elkins (deceased), Jean and Archie Pugh. She enjoyed her time visiting them with them and the fish frys that brought so much joy.

As it became more difficult for her to see, her dear friend and my mother-in-law, Gene Yates, would take her to the 5:00 P.M. Saturday mass, where they would get a quick bite to eat afterwards and head to the local gaming establishments. When asked what they did after church, they would giggle and say they went to play the machines.

She is survived by her daughter, Dana (Greg), her grandchildren, Cameron Anderson (Nora) and Dane Yates, and her great-grandchildren, Cameron Anderson, Jr., Sophia Anderson, Madeline Anderson, and Clara Grace Anderson. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her memory lives on in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the lives she touched.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Harlingen, Texas. There will be a graveside service at Mont Meta Memorial Park, San Benito, Texas, at 3:00 p.m., where she will be buried next to her husband.

Pallbearers are her grandsons, Dane Yates and Cameron Anderson, son-in-law, Greg Yates, great grandson, Cameron Andrson Jr., and family member Mark Yates and Jim Trolinger. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Vidos, brother and Carl “Joe” Gayman, brother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, which was dear to her. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 209 South 10th Street, Harlingen, TX, 78550.

Though she is gone from this world, her love remains with us always. I want to give a special thank you to Companion Sitter Service, whose sitters worked around the clock to provide tender, loving care during this difficult time, especially Martha and Myrna, who were with her for many years. I also want to thank the staff at Maluhia Hospice Care who showed care and compassion for my mother.