Catherine "Kitty" Wilson's Obituary
Kitty Wilson is a true treasure. She is a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. She was born eighty years ago but no one would know looking at her. She is a fourth generation Texas which makes her grandchildren sixth generation Texan. I would like to tell you a few things about Kitty which you may not know. Her parents, Kemp and Martha Burge were some of the most elegant, kind folks anyone ever met. Her father taught flying in World War I and went back to Italy in World War II. Her mother was in the first class at SMU when there was only Dallas hall. Her great-grandparents were early Texas pioneers. Col WL Williams moved to Texas following the Civil War. His bride, Lucinda Beckley was the daughter of a Baptist minister. Together they started the First Baptist Church of Dallas, which is now the largest Baptist church in the world. The Austin record indicates that Col Williams rode a horse to Waxahachie and charged 10 cents for two day’s work. Lucinda Smith wrote a book called the Golden Years about the life and times of early Dallas after the civil war. Although Col Williams was an attorney, initially there was no legal work in this part of Texas for an attorney. Her grandfather, W.J.J. Smith was one of the first judges in North Texas. He was in the first class at the University of Texas Law School. Kitty, formerly known as Catherine Burge Wilson attended Fannin Elementary and Woodrow Wilson High School. She started Hockaday Junior College at the age of 17. She attended Baylor University from 1941-1942, transferred to SMU her third year, She changed her major her senior year and still graduated in three years, Kitty flew for Braniff from 1943-1946. She took the Braniff inaugural flight to Topeka Kansas. When she left Braniff, she helped start the Clipped B’s, an association of former flight attendants. Braniff is long gone but the Clipped B’s are still around. On July 12, 1946, Kitty married Arthur Philip Wilson Jr, a former military hero who called her from Manila to propose. They were married to former Mayor and Mrs. Woodall Rogers’ home. Kitty worked in an orthodontist office when she first married. The orthodontist helped develop the mandible operation and also designed artificial eyes. Kitty also worked at Titches before she retired to raise children. She returned to corporate life at Braniff later in life. She remained in Dallas her whole life but traveled the world more than Columbus. We all know that behind every great man there is a great woman. Kitty’s husband was a lawyer in Dallas who was president of the Dallas Bar association, served on the board of SMU and was on the board of Southwest Legal Foundation. Her birthday club has met for over fifty years. Kitty was involved in the Dallas Lawyer’s Wives Club, Canterbury Book Club, Chi Omega, The Dallas Woman’s Club, The Dallas, Garden Club, and the First Baptist Church of Dallas. She loves Presbyterian Village and has more social activities than her family can count. Being surrounded by wonderful friend and of course, her canine companion, Tiger is her dream. We are delighted to honor Kitty today and will all plan to meet again in ten years for her ninetieth birthday party. I have known Kitty for fifteen years. She has always tried to make me feel comfortable in her home and make me feel part of her life. A true Southern Belle and gracious lady, Kitty Wilson we are proud to honor you today. February 21, 2003 Dallas, Texas Services for Kitty will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Presbyterian Village, 8600 Skyline Drive, Dallas Texas, 75243. The family will receive friends immediately following the burial will take place at Restland Cemetery
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