| Notes |
- Fron FindaGrave:
Priscilla Hall Willard, 103, was born in White River Junction, Vermont, on Jan 5, 1912, the last of four children born to Wilbur and Maud Willard. When she was two months old, the family moved to Dalroy, Alberta, Canada, where they homesteaded for 10 years, before settling near Bakersfield, California, where other relatives were residing. She attended Mt View School, Kern County Union High School, and Bakersfield College, where she met her future husband, Ben M. Spencer. They were both 1934 graduates. They had one daughter, Coral.
Priscilla began her career as a legal secretary, and developed an interest in flying. She became a licensed pilot, and was among the original members of the 99's, a women's pilot organization. In 1963, she and her cousin, Bertha Haycock flew in the "Powder Puff Derby" which later became known as the "Women's Transcontinental Air Race." She was instrumental in forming the first squadron of Civil Air Patrol in Kern County. Among Priscilla's many accomplishments, in 1973 she completed a flight around the world, in two weeks, with a select group on a single plane, in what was then known as the Classroom in the Sky. This included flying over both poles. Always interested in travel, she has visited many foreign countries. Priscilla loved her country, and has been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution for 38 years.
Priscilla enjoyed sports, and was an big supporter of the Renegade football team, attending many games over the years, first, with her sister, Marjorie Flickinger, and later with her daughter and son-in-law, Jim Poole. She also accompanied Coral and Jim on five summer Olympic extended tours, 1968 (Mexico),1972 (Germany) 1984 (US) 1988 (Korea) and 1992 (Spain). In her younger years, she also loved to go hunting and playing golf. She enjoyed working in her yard, well into her 90's. She walked two miles along the Panorama bluffs every day she was able.
At the time of her retirement, Priscilla had worked for ARCO for 25 years. She was always fiercely independent. Having a great thirst for knowledge, she enjoyed attending night classes at BC for many years, taking various subjects of interest, including the Russian language back in the days of the Cold War. At the time of her death, Priscilla was the oldest known living alumna of BC.
Passing peacefully, in the early morning of May 21, Priscilla leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Coral Poole-Clark (Jack Clark), grandson, Carter Poole, granddaughter, Jamie Poole (Brian Bosworth) and great-grandsons, Aidan and Nathan Bosworth. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Marjorie, and two brothers, Read, and Forest Willard (who lived to 106 years).
The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers, Carmen, Flora, Yvette, Christina, Mary, Maria, Rita and Socorro, as well as the caring staff at Hoffman Hospice. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to Hoffman Hospice, Autism Speaks, Links for Life, or the Bakersfield Art Association.
As per Priscilla's wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes scattered over the Sierras. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.
Published in The Bakersfield Californian, Sunday, May 31, 2015.
|
1912 - 2015 (103 years)
