- Date Of Birth: January 28, 1926
- Date Of Death: March 16, 2018
- State: Texas
Bertha Emerie Thumann Wilson
January 28, 1926 – March 16, 2018
Bertha Emerie Thumann Wilson, 92, born in Lake Placido, Texas on January 28, 1926, to Oscar Gus Thumann and Bertha Lee Perkins Thumann. She was the second to the youngest child of six.
Until Bertha Started school, her nick name was “Birdie” but her family always called her “Sis” and that name is still used by her nieces and nephews today.
Bertha was raised in a small town of Port O’Conner, Texas, and its neighboring town Seadrift, Texas. She graduated from Port Lavaca High School in 1945. She married Charlie R. Wilson in 1948, who was a Petty Officer in the U.S> Coast Guard. They were transferred to many different duty stations in the 24 years that followed. During this time, they had 5 children, 2 boys and 3 girls.
After Charlie retired from the Coast Guard, the family settled in San Benito, Texas, purchased the local Playland Rollercade and named it Wilson Skate Center, which they owed and managed for 26 years before retiring again. During this time Bertha was elected Chairman of the San Benito Area Chamber of Commerce, the first women ever elected to that position. She later served a second term. Bertha served the community in many ways, donating her time and knowledge as a girl scout leader, boy scout leader, Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show, many years as the Chairperson of the San Benito Pride Committee, Rotary Club, and raising funds for the Boys and Girl Club. She was honored with the Citizens of the Year Award from the City of San Benito and the San Benito News in 2004 and the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame Award in 2013, plus several plaques and awards for her many years of public service.
Bertha went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, March 16,2018 leaving her husband of 69 years, Charlie; her children Walter E. Wilson (Sharon), Judy C. Wilson and Cynthia A. Wilson Cook (Dave), daughter-in-law Laura Z. Wilson, 3 grandsons, 6 granddaughters, and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in Death were her parents, Oscar and Bertha Thumann, her siblings Ester Scott, Edgar Thumann, Ethel Cook, Elmer Thumann, and Lenard Thumann; son Perry Oscar Wilson, daughter Karen Eileen Wilson Moore, and grandson Jason Charles Cook.
