Neva Wise Song Page
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My first public appearance singing for the Lord was
during Christmas Eve children's program at the country church near
the farm where I was born and raised. I was 3 years old and
sang "Away In A Manger." Children did not attend
Sunday School until age 4, but the year before..when I was 2..I had
learned the Christmas songs that were part of the Christmas Eve
program when Mother taught my older brother the songs. I would
join in with him as he learned the words. Christmas Eve, the
program was in progress and I was sitting with my parents, watching
the program. My mother turned to talk to my father, and when
she looked back in my direction, I wasn't there. I had trotted
down the aisle and was standing in the front row of the children on
stage, singing my heart out. Everyone thought it was so cute,
so the next year...even though I was still too young to
participate...I was invited to sing the solo. Daddy always
said I star A few years ago, I had a malignant
baseball size tumor removed along with my thyroid. For several
months I was able to talk, but unable to sing. My voice
was very raspy and strange sounding. The Dr. told me I might
never be able to sing again. Everyone told me how lucky I was
to be able to talk. I was thankful for that, but I have always
sang. I tried to accept it, but it was heartbreaking. I
prayed about it constantly. I promised God if he would give me
back my voice so I could sing again, I would sing his praises as
long as he would let me. I can't quite reach the high notes
like I used to, but I am so thankful he heard my prayers. I realize that most singers lost their ability in advanced years. So far, He is still allowing me to sing His praises. God is so good!! |
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60th Wedding Anniversary of
Robert L. and Neva J. Wise Nov.20th 2006 |
May 04, 1928 - November 22, 2011
Neva J Wise
Neva Jean Wise, 83, devoted wife, mother and grandmother died Tuesday November 22, 2011 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born May 4, 1928 in Dakota she was the daughter of William and Lula (Tielke) Henze. She was a graduate of Dakota High School and was a lifelong member of St. Paul Church of Epleyanna. In the 1940’s Neva was a pitcher for the Rock City Rockets. It was then that she met her future husband Robert, who was umpiring one of her games. On November 20, 1946 she and Robert Wise were united in marriage at St. Paul Church of Epleyanna, celebrating 65 years of marriage two days before her passing. Her love of music led her to become a country singer/songwriter and national recording artist under the stage name of “Kitty Hawkins” performing at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, WGN’s National Barn Dance and continued to travel nationally with her singing. She won the Country Music Festival award in Colorado, and the Country Music Star of Tomorrow in 1966 from the Country Music Association. She was a songwriter for many country artists of the 60’s including The Wilburn Brothers. Neva was also a Semi Finalist in the Mrs. Illinois Beauty Pageant. Upon retiring from her professional singing career she continued singing God’s praises at various churches and special events. For 20 years she and her husband owned and operated the Belvidere Travel Agency and Loves Park Travel, which afforded them the opportunity to become world travelers. She retired in 1993 to Tarpon Springs, Fl. Surviving are her husband of Loves Park, IL and Tarpon Springs, FL; two sons Russell Wise of California, Robin (Jean Schusler) Wise of Machesney Park; grandson Robert John Wise of Roscoe; nephew Milton (June) Schlueter; nieces Sallie (Richard) Battalio, Sandra (Gary) Dotson; numerous great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Roger and sister Nellie Schlueter.
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