Mabel Vinson

October 11, 1919 - June 18, 2011

Mabel Gladys Vinson, daughter of Walter and Emma (Reeves) Laird was born October 11, 1919 on the family farm in Marion County, Iowa. Mabel married Robert Vinson on January 24, 1946, after he returned from serving in the Army in New Guinea and Australia during World War II. To this union a daughter Carol and a son, Kenn were born. Mabel and Robert made their home in Knoxville. In 2008, Mabel moved to Southridge Nursing Home in Marshalltown. She passed away June 14th at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. Mabel attended a country school and Tracy Public School. When her children were grown she went to work at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Knoxville in the dietary department. She retired in 1983. Mabel was a homemaker and loved caring for her family. She enjoyed gardening, growing roses, bird watching, writing poetry, cooking and baking, quilting, playing the organ and visiting with friends and family. When asked about the favorite foods their grandma cooked, the ?grands? and the ?greats? would say her fantastic fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade pies, cookies and her friendship bread in many flavors. She was happiest caring for her children and then grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially reading to them and helping them explore the world around them. One of the highlights of Mabel?s life was when she and Robert, along with Mabel?s sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Henry Goad, visited the Hawaiian Islands. She and Robert also made many trips to Colorado to visit their daughter when she and her family lived there. She looked forward to the Knoxville Nationals when her ?Aussie? friends, (who lovingly called her ?Mrs. V?.) stayed at her home during the races. Mabel was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, AARP, NARF, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and several circles in the church. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, brothers; Andrew (infant), Marvin and Halbert Laird and sisters; Marlene Bear and Helen Goad. She is survived by daughter Carol McAdam of Waukee, IA, Kenn (Pam) Vinson of Marshalltown, IA; grandchildren Christopher McAdam of Des Moines, IA., Patrick (Theresa) McAdam of Adel, IA., Scott Vinson of Washington D.C., Elizabeth (Scott) Kilts of Des Moines, IA., Brian (Christina) Vinson of Arlington, VA.; great grandchildren Nicholas and Zachary McAdam, James and Faith Kilts, Christopher McAdam Jr. She is also survived by a brother-in-law Henry Goad of Colorado and sister-in-law Lee Lang (Joe) of Carlisle; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many precious friends, including Chuck and Mary Belle Day of Knoxville. Services will be held on Saturday, June 18th, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Winfield Funeral Home, Knoxville with visitation preceding the service at 10:00 am. Memorials can be directed to the Knoxville Food Bank or the United Methodist Church.