Eloise Vanderslice

Eloise Victoria “Vicki” (Wilkerson) Vanderslice entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family on May 22, 2026 in Harlingen, Texas, at the age of 76. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, reunited with cherished family who welcomed her home.

Vicki was born in Houston, Texas, on June 30, 1949, to Bobbie Warren Wilkerson and Violet Moseley Wilkerson. She entered the world with determination while her mother was receiving treatment in a Houston hospital during the Texas polio epidemic. Perhaps this early beginning shaped Vicki’s lifelong resilience, faith, and deep appreciation for life. In the late 1990s, she bravely fought breast cancer and was blessed with many more joyful years before it returned later in life. Through every challenge, she met the world with optimism, gratitude, and her signature humor.

Vicki grew up in Alice, Texas, the youngest of two children. She treasured memories of her extended family and time spent with her Big Nannie, brother Bobby, and many cousins in Sheridan, Texas. After graduating from Alice High School, she met her sweetheart and future husband of 56 years, Ronald Glenn Vanderslice. They made their home in Alice, where they lovingly raised two daughters to work hard, stay curious, and never stop learning. While Vicki devoted much of her life to caring for her family, she later returned to work at Episcopal Day School, where she formed many cherished friendships.

Vicki and Ronnie relocated to Canyon Lake, embracing life in the Texas Hill Country for many happy years. During that time, she worked at Christian Credit Counseling in Bulverde and once again built lasting friendships.

After retiring, they moved to Harlingen to be closer to their grandchildren. There, Vicki quietly lived out her faith as a dedicated volunteer with the Lakewood Village Neighborhood Association, serving in several roles on the board of directors. She loved supporting community activities, beautification projects, and checking in on neighbors.

Although Vicki was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, all would agree that her most treasured role was being a grandmother. She delighted in every moment with her grandchildren, showering them with fun and games, thoughtful gifts, after‑school snacks, and constant reminders that she loved them “BIG much, not little much.”

Family and friends will forever remember Vicki for the warmth she brought into every room. She loved to sing, share “a funny,” and sprinkle conversations with her colorful expressions. She had a rare gift for making people feel loved and welcomed, whether through a phone call to get the “scoop,” a caring check‑in, or simply the way she listened.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents; her loving Daddy, J.W. Herrington, who helped raise her after her mother remarried; and her brother, Robert King Wilkerson.

She will be greatly missed by her husband, Ronald Vanderslice; daughters Kathy Carter (Jason) of Harlingen, TX, and Karen Hernandez (Joe) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Helen and Ethan Carter and Tucker Rogerzinsky; brother James Herrington (Brenda) of Sublime, TX; sister‑in‑law Madeline (Bubba) Fortune of New Waverly, TX; brother‑in‑law Charles Vanderslice of Corpus Christi, TX; and her many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She will also be missed by her devoted companion, Scruffy, who stayed by her side throughout her illness.

A celebration of Vicki’s life will take place at the Lakewood Village Community Hall at a later date. A private interment and gathering for family will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lakewood Village Booster Club to support community activities. The Lakewood community meant so much to Vicki. Our family is deeply grateful to the neighbors who surrounded us with prayers, calls, visits, meals, and loving care.

Donations can be mailed to: Lakewood Village Booster Club, 4515 Graham Rd #120, Harlingen, TX 78552

The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of UT Health RGV Cancer Center, Gentiva Hospice, Joyce Stock, and Dominic Guillen for their compassionate care and support.

Mom, we love you, BIG much not little much.