Verna Emma Forbes Willson, BHS 1939

Verna Emma Forbes Willson, BHS 1939

October 12, 1921 - October 2, 2013 
Born in Burbank, CA 
Resided in Ogden, UT

Earth has lost and heaven has gained an intelligent, strong, determined woman.

Verna was born October 12, 1921 in Burbank, California to Jesse Warren and Emily Wrampelmeier Peyton Forbes. She was an only child. During WW II Verna served as a "Rosie the Riveter" for Lockheed, working mainly on P-38's. After WWII she moved to Lubbock, TX, worked as an elevator operator for Hilton Hotels, and met Otis Willson. They eloped (with her mother-in-law going along) to Roswell, NM where they married October 21, 1946. They settled in Pacoima, CA. Three children were born to them, but the two boys died at birth. About 1952, Otis developed tuberculosis and was hospitalized for nearly 4 years. Verna moved back to Burbank and returned to Lockheed, starting as a file clerk. She was a feminist rights advocate and fought hard to advance and get equal pay as the men doing the same work. She retired from Lockheed as an avionics engineer, working on black boxes and collaborating with the men from the "skunk works." 

In 1978 Otis and Verna moved to Brigham City, Utah to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Otis died December 20, 1978. Verna then moved to Salt Lake City where she refurbished a historic home in the Avenues. She then moved to Farmington, NM where she ran for the office of city mayor at the age of 80, getting about a third of the votes. Next, Verna moved to Ogden, UT. Shortly after this move, she was baptized a member of the LDS church. She had strongly opposed her daughter joining the church years earlier, but was converted by examples of many good people in NM and UT. Throughout her life, Verna enjoyed doing genealogy, and published articles in many genealogy magazines, plus a book on her family lines. She also enjoyed politics and writing letters to the editor which were published many places, including The New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine. 

Verna left this life on October 2, 2013 of causes related to heart failure and osteoporosis. She is survived by her daughter Linda Nelson (Blaine), 5 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by dear friends and "adopted" family from NM, Margie Lee Smith (Marty), their 9 children and many grandchildren. 

Per Verna's request, there will be no viewing. Graveside services will be held in Brigham City on October 9th at 3:00 p.m, under the direction of Myers Mortuary of Layton. In lieu of flowers, donations to any charity in her name are suggested. Condolences may be sent to www.myers-mortuary.com