Vivian Antoinette Wilson-Shackelford

March 4, 1941

April 17, 2024

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF VIVIAN WILSON-SHACKELFORD

Vivian's hallmarks were a beautiful smile and a sweet spirit. She was always ready with a cheerful greeting or a word of encouragement. Her family feels the echoes of her loss whenever they think, "Oh, let me go up to see Mom/Grandmom," or "Let's get something to drink for Mom/Grandmom," or any of the many scenarios woven into their daily lives.

Vivian Antoinette Wilson was born on March 4, 1941, in Augusta, Georgia, the only child of Hubert E. Wilson and Nadine J. Wilson. Being an only child allowed Vivian to explore her creative side.  Still, there was a focus on education – her father, Hubert E. Wilson, obtained his Master of Arts from New York University. He was an Assistant Principal at Augusta's Lucy Craft Laney High School, and Principal at Snow Hill Junior High School, and at Sand Bar Ferry Junior High School.  Nadine Wilson taught at the Youth Detention Center and in the Richmond County public school system until her retirement.

After graduating from Lucy Laney High School, Vivian attended Hampton Institute (University), where she majored in Home Economics. While at Hampton, Vivian met a host of friends and people who remained close to this day. She pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was an active member for more than fifty years.

After completing an advanced degree at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Vivian settled in the Maryland area.  She met and married the late Timothy Shackelford, which produced two children, Brian Douglas and Koren Antoinette, in 1966 and 1969, respectively.

Vivian taught at several DC Public Schools (Eastern, McKinley, and Cardozo High Schools) before retiring in 1985.  A former co-worker of Vivian's recalled, "We spent many wonderful, cheerful days, activities, and events together during our younger days.  Your mom's work & talents in McKinley High School's Home Economics Department were unbeatable.  She was our Mrs. Vogue, and the ideas she gave and brought opened parts of the school that had not been used in years. She was as kind and sweet as one could be."

Vivian's talents were exemplary in sewing and knitting, skills she learned and then perfected from her mother.  Although there is no doubt that she made many articles of clothing, as far back as August 1966, she made a friend's wedding dress while in her last months of pregnancy with Brian.  Over time, Vivian made clothing and drapery and was an expert knitter who made many pieces for her family and friends.  Her grandmother, Mrs. Carrie B. Moore, had a small grocery store, and she followed in her grandmother's entrepreneurial footsteps by creating Vivette, a business where she created 'hand-loomed custom knits.'  Vivian even made the bridesmaids and flower girls dresses for her daughter's wedding.

As the daughter of Hubert and Nadine Wilson, Vivian spent many hours at Williams Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Augusta, where she accepted Christ.  She served in the children's choir and in various capacities over the years.  She brought her sewing talents to bear in each of the churches (Clinton A.M.E Zion Church, in Rockville, MD, and Trinity C.M.E in Augusta) that she later joined: sewing pew covers, cushions or drapes for the alter, creating wall hangings for the entryways of the church or anything else that she was called upon to do.

Vivian was enthusiastic about learning and was willing to be adventurous.  She liked traveling – she'd taken cruises to Alaska and the islands - and she took up photography in her 50s.  She dove deep into the art, bought her cameras and was on the photography ministry at her home church.  Vivian also wasn't afraid to get her toolbox and fix anything. Before they started marketing toolboxes to women, she had a nice big yellow one that held her drill and all the nuts and bolts that she needed to address any "handyman" problems around the house.

Vivian was not only a caring and supportive mother but also an awesome grandmother to two grandchildren, Vivienne Olivia and Devin Emmanuel. When she got the call that Vivienne was being born, she drove ten hours from Georgia (by herself) to greet her new grandchild in the early hours of her birth. Similarly, she was there for Devin's birth and remained a constant presence in their lives. She returned to the Maryland/Virginia area in 2010 and moved in with her family.

Our memories of our mother and grandmother will live on in her smile, the way she bopped her head and shoulders when she heard music, and her sweet spirit.  Vivian leaves to mourn her passing a devoted daughter and son, Koren S. St Clair and Brian D. Shackelford; a son-in-law, Melvin St Clair, Jr.; two loving grandchildren, Vivienne O. St Clair and Devin E. St Clair; a god sister who was like a sister; Maryemma Graham; and several first cousins once removed from her late first cousin Bessie Smith.

We thank God for Vivian.  She will always be in our hearts and memories.  We loved her, and we know she loved us.  We accept that God who gave her to us, loves her best!  May she rest peacefully in the light of our Lord forever.  Amen.