Funeral services will be held 12 noon Friday, November 17, 2023 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina with Elder Evelyn G. Dunn officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12 noon prior to the service at the funeral home. A repast will be held in the funeral home following the committal service.
He was born March 8, 1929 to the late Herbert Vinson and Ada Smith Vinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Horace Vinson, Herbert “June” Vinson, Lawrence Vinson, Winston Vinson and sister, Mamie Theola Mitchell.
Oscar loved the Lord and gave his life to Christ at an early age. He joined Union Hill AME Church as a child. He later moved to New York and attended the Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, Hempstead, New York. Oscar was one of the founders of the Sons and Daughters of Wilson’s Mills and would return to North Carolina yearly for Homecoming. He returned to North Carolina to live and was an active and faithful Union Hill AME Church member. Oscar loved working in the church. He was a Steward, Class Leader, and a finance committee member.
Oscar graduated from Johnston County Training School, Smithfield, North Carolina, in 1947. After high school, he attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While at A&T, he was active in the Biology Society, Geographical Society, and the American Chemistry Society. After graduating from A&T, he taught Chemistry and physics in Pender and Johnston Counties.
He was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the United States Army. He was awarded the Bronze Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1960. Before joining the military, he married the love of his life, Thelma, in 1952, and from that union, they welcomed three beautiful children. Following his military service, he moved to New York, began his career as a Social Worker, and retired in 1988. He moved back to North Carolina and enjoyed spending time with his aunts and family.
Oscar was an avid gardener who loved cooking and baking for his family. He grew the most beautiful collard greens and other produce which he shared with family, neighbors, and friends. Oscar was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always thinking of others and would lend a hand to help anyone in need. He also loved nature and animals. He kept a pocket full of treats for the family pets. He enjoyed caring for Lucky, Coco, and Tiger, which brought him great joy.
He loved his music; you would often find him listening to his gospel and jazz. He was a gifted man who could play the piano by ear; he would refer to his gift as tickling the ivory. He enjoyed reading the paper and working on word scrambles and puzzles at his kitchen table.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Thelma Glovenia Vinson; children: Pavla Doreen Avery, Derek Carlton Vinson, Dwayne Clifton Vinson (Stephanie); sister, Betty Mae Joy of New York: grandchildren; Lincoln Tyson (Kiyo), Lakeisha Mills (John), Carol Avery, Christopher Burnette, Demetri Vinson, Devin Vinson, Donovan Vinson; and great grandchildren: Kevin Ingram, Tionna Hicks (Jerrod), Kionna Tyson, Collin Tyson, Jayvion Bradley, Jada Bradley, Miles Tyson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.
McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the Vinson family.
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