Mary Wilcox

Mary Yvonne (Vonnie) Wilcox

Vonnie Wilcox, age 83, exchanged her love of life for the promise of eternal life on July 6, 2021.  She died in her Spirit-filled home of nearly 60 years—the green house on what was known as Celestial Street, gracefully shaded and sheltered by her mammoth sycamore trees.

Vonnie was born December 21, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She learned early what it meant to be hungry and poor.  There were times when all her possessions, along with those of her mother and younger brother, filled little more than a metal clad trunk; times when bread and milk were as scarce as the money to buy them; times when her childhood Christmas gifts were two pairs of underclothes and a box of chocolate cherries.

Vonnie’s mother, Thelma G. Over, exemplified the strength and courage it took to survive those hungry days.  Her father, Robert E. Over, although well-liked by friends and co-workers, was frequently away from his family for extended periods.  As a result, Grandma Over and her two children, Vonnie and Butch, were purified by persistent trials, yet polished by the love of God.

Vonnie was baptized by her husband-to-be, Hal M. Wilcox, whom she married 18 months later in the Salt Lake Temple on November 27, 1957.  Her love for Hal was unfailing, and even though they went to bed upset with each other from time to time, they lived by a simple rule: Never wake up with lingering resentment from the day before.

Vonnie was blessed with physical beauty, a quick mind, and spiritual intuition.  Even so, she was naturally unpretentious, perfectly able to “hunt night crawlers” with her sons on Saturday evening and then teach a powerful Sunday School lesson the next morning.  She loved to walk barefoot in her spacious yard and garden, and carefully preserved the abundant harvest of its fertile soil. She appreciated the beauty of her flowers and trees; and perceiving God in what she saw, she was moved by the Spirit to “praise God for the miracle of dirt.”

Mom understood the principle of work.  She often referred to herself as a “big-boned, German plow-horse.”  She worked as the head secretary at Layton High School; and the students loved her.  She worked in the Davis District’s main office; and everyone loved her.  She also worked at Hill Air Force Base, where colonels and airmen alike, respected and loved her.

But most importantly, Mom worked through life as a true disciple of Christ.  When she was teaching the gospel, she spoke with the power of life-changing virtue—virtue that she received as a born-again daughter of God.  For those who heard the Word through her, she is still remembered as “the best teacher I’ve ever had.”

Dearest Mom, you and Dad honorably raised five children—five who can only meagerly comprehend the daily sacrifice you made for us.  We depended on you, leaned on you, and praise our eternal Father for the gift of you—our mother and best friend—a constant pillar of strength.  May God guide us as we seek to honor you by blessing your name and the name of Him who made you His.  Until we meet again… because we already know, you’ll be looking for us.

Vonnie is survived by her 5 children, Steven (Aletta), Brett (Kristine), Robert (Stacy), Sara (Guy) Wright, and Kristi (Jared) Barlow; 15 grandchildren, Erika, Brittany, David, Olivia, Jeremy, Tyler, Mikelann, Madison, Carver, Braxton, Shaelynn, Austin, Brock, Callie, and Savanna; and 7 great-grandchildren, Jason, Sadie, Elianna, Ruby, Axel, Rowyn, Kallen, and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and younger brother, Elton (Butch) Over.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Gary Holland for the many house calls he made while caring for Mom.  And we offer our genuine thanks to Brio Hospice, especially Kristi, Joy, Amber, Ashley, and Christina, for their loving care during Mom’s mortal decline and passing.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. at  Lindquist's Syracuse Mortuary, 869 S. 2000 W. Syracuse. Friends may visit family Sunday 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary prior to the service.

Interment: Syracuse City Cemetery 1044 W. 1290 S. Syracuse

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