THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310200
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Knocking on doors to deliver colognes, inch-long lipstick samples, facial creams and powders - that's what Vivian Wilson's last 60 years have been like.
To many she's known simply as ``Miss Avon,'' and she still calls regularly on Great Bridge residents to introduce her products.
At a recent Avon meeting, her long service was recognized. The message atop her cake read ``60 years of beauty.''
This summer she plans to retire.
``While Smith & Welton was still open, it was nothing to see Vivian out there delivering Avon right up to 9 p.m.,'' said Claudia Mason, her supervisor at Avon for 18 years. ``Vivian has always been top in sales. Already her sales are $3,000 over this same time last year.''
Avon representatives whose sales amount to at least $8,500 a year earn membership in the President's Club. They also receive a Pfe Albee doll designed in recognition of the company's first representative.
Wilson's curio cabinet is filled with porcelain Albee dolls, which are collectors' items.
``For her age, I think that says a lot,'' Mason said.
Wilson never misses a monthly sales meeting. For at least 18 years, she hasn't failed to brighten those meetings with flowers from her yard.
It's nothing for Wilson to pass out as many as 40 catalogs in a day. That means knocking on 40 doors. She drives 12,000 miles a year.
In the early days, she sold machine oil, vanilla and other flavorings. Her career with Avon began in Moyock, where she had no supervisor.
``There was nobody to tell me where to go, so I did my own thing,'' she said.
But later she had to stick strictly to her territory.
``I'd get reported if I sold something in someone else's territory,'' said Wilson.
After she retires, Wilson plans to dedicate more time to the two organizations which have played an important role in her life.
For 77 years, she has been a member of Moyock Baptist Church. And since 1932, she has been a member of the Extension Homemaker Organization, formerly the Cooperative Extension Service.
``I've known Mrs. Wilson for 14 years. I am so impressed with her dedication to Extension Homemakers,'' said Carol Thorpe, who oversees area clubs. ``She is completely committed and always interested in what is best for the organization. She also brings that longevity picture to the organization.''
Full name: Vivian Wilson
Grew up: ``In the Gertie community, now a part of Chesapeake, and Elizabeth City and Moyock (N.C.).''
Childhood memories: ``Living on a farm and being poor. But we had enough to eat. And walking to school. When it rained, my dad would put curtains on the surrey and took us to school. In 1927 we had a big snow. It drifted so high, the school bus couldn't get through the drifts. We had to spend the night.''
Occupation: Avon representative
Hobbies: ``I like flowers, especially my camellias. And I like going to garden shows. And being a member of the Extension Homemaker Organization. It's a learning club.''
Favorite song: ``I'd Rather Have Jesus'' and ``Because He Lives.''
Can't resist: ``Chocolate. I eat it. Then I wish I hadn't.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?'' ``I would like to be physically stronger.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``Working with Avon.''
Favorite TV program: ``The Young and The Restless.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``Shoney's and the Hardee's at Hickory for breakfast.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Vivian Wilson
by CNB