Hope Wilson

Hope Armstrong Wilson, 96, passed away at her home in Pecos, TX May 14, 2016.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday May 17, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 pm at Pecos Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday May 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Balmorhea Cemetery with Randy Foster Officiating.

Hope Armstrong Wilson left this earth to join her parents, nine brothers and three sisters in the the arms of our Lord on May 14, 2016. She was born on Nov. 4, 1919 in Pecos, TX to C.E. and Gadie Belle Armstrong. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Floyd, and second husband, J.C. Wilson. Her brothers were: D.H., Webb, Ed, Chester, Paul, Fred, Cole, Scott and infant James. Her sisters were: Sue Couch, Cathryn Bentley and Ethel Collier. She is survived by numerous nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. She also enjoyed the company of her constant, companion, Rover

Hope grew up in Pecos, TX and attended Texas Tech University. Her first husband, Mr. Floyd, was killed during WWII in Belgium. Several years after his death, she married Mr. Wilson. During their marriage, they were involved in the cotton growing industry in the Trans-Pecos area and the Rio Grande Valley near Presidio. They also owned and operated Texas Cotton Industries, buying and selling tons of cotton over the years. During these work years, Mr. Wilson managed Balmorhea Ranches. They also were very active in lobbying federal legislators and agencies for water rights from the Pecos River watershed to benefit farmers in Texas. She also was very active with her brothers, Fred, Cole and Scott, in the ranching industry in West Texas. This led her to be a charter member of the West of the Pecos Cattlewomen's Organization.

In 2012, Mrs. Wilson was recognized by the State of Texas as one of twelve "Enduring Women of the Land" who represented the pioneer spirit and was honored with a presentation about her life at the Bob Bullock History Museum in Austin. Hope, "Tia" as she was affectionately called by many, was the End of an Era in her large West Texas pioneer family. She had no children of her own, but she became the stand-in matriarch to the huge number of her nieces and nephews and their progeny. Hope was a woman of strength, honor and opinions. She was a knowing businesswoman, a cattle woman and an excellent cook! She could be quite the taskmaster when needed but also a loving, genuine, caring and generous lady. Hope was truly a unique woman and leaves a legacy of family and friends who admired her for all of her qualities and will miss her guidance and counsel.

The family wishes to thank Ursolo and Aurora Fuentes for their many years of services and kindness which allowed Hope to remain in her home which was her most fervent wish. Also all the other caregivers, Sheryl and Gayla Koehn, Gisella Carrasco, and Ava Gerke and the members of American Home Health were instrumental in making Hope's final years as best as could be expected.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the West of the Pecos Museum at 432-445-5076, West of the Pecos Cattlewomen's Org. at 432-940-1021 or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation

Pecos Funeral Home
607 W. 3rd
Pecos, TX  79772
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
5:00 to 7:00 PM

Service

Graveside

Balmorhea Cemetery
Balmorhea, TX  79718
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Balmorhea Cemetery
Balmorhea, TX  79718

Memorial Contributions

West of Pecos Museum
120 E 1st Street
Pecos, TX  79772

West of the Pecos Cattlewomen"s Org
Pecos, TX  79772