It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the passing of a great lady and friend to the Italian community in Texas, Clara Vick. Clara was one of the only women to ever be “Knighted” by the Italian Government. She received this honor on October 21, 2010, for her efforts to restore and preserve a little chapel in Castro County, Texas. The chapel was part of the WWII Italian prisoner of war camp, and it still stands surrounded by a corn field where the camp had once been located. Receiving her knighthood was a proud moment for Clara, as many dignitaries and ambassadors from all over the world came to this event. 

Clara, age 82, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2017 in Amarillo. 

Clara along with her twin brother, Clarence were born June 23, 1935 in Dickens County, Texas to John W. and Ellen Norris. Clara’s large family consisted of five girls and four boys, of which there were 3 sets of twins. Clara met the love of her life Clyde Vick at the skating rink in Michigan and later married him in December 1950. They moved to Amarillo in September 1951 and to Dimmitt in February 1955. Clara has resided in Dimmitt since then until her recent move to Amarillo September 1, 2017.

Clara began her work as an abstractor in 1955 and continued working until August 31, 2017. She always said she only had one job on her resume. Clara was a historian and helped to organize the Castro County Historical Museum, Inc. as a charter member in 1976. She helped complete two full volumes of the Castro County History Books, while volunteering her time for over 40 years to preserve county history. It was here that she developed her passion for the restoration of the WWII Italian prisoner of war camp chapel located in Castro County.

Clara was most passionate about her family, and is preceded in death by her husband Clyde, two grandsons, Jeremy and Jarrod, a twin brother, Clarence, her parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Clara is survived by her son, Johnny Vick and wife Janie Vick, and her daughter Rita Vick of Amarillo. She too, has three granddaughters, Jamie McLain, Jade Vick, and Jennifer Vick of Amarillo. She was also blessed with four great-grandsons, Grayson White, Aiden Portwood, and Jackson and Jefferson Adams of Amarillo. She has one living sister Naomi Bonner of Austin, a sister-in-law Lee Norris of Dimmitt, a special niece whom Clara claimed as her daughter Charlene White of Kyle, Texas; and a life-long friend Neva Bartlett of Ruidoso, New Mexico, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the Castro County Historical Museum, P.O. Box 1129 Dimmitt, Texas 79027