PRECIOUS MOMENTS

Link to Precious Moments my Poem

USE BACK ARROW TO RETURN TO THIS POST AFTER VIEWING THE POEM

In remembrance of some of those precious moments with Vivien Leigh Powers Ingram and Billy Mac Ingram. The car accident occurred Saturday,October 14, 1967 as Mac was driving Vivien with her unborn to a football game at Navarro Jr. College. My mother, Gladys Rogers Powers was in the back seat. A drunk pulled out onto what was then a two lane on HWY 31. When Mac tried to avoid the drunk, he was hit head on, killing Vivien and her unborn outright and Mac sustained critical head injuries and was transported to to a specialist hospital, where in died on Monday. Mother was taken to the Corsicana hospital in critical condition. Mother survived after a long stay in hospitals.

10/14/25- A long read of what I remember about that weekend.

As we again review the weekend of the Oct 14,1967 when a car accident killed our loved ones, I am sadly reminded of several things. The news of the accident was first brought to me by my cousin John Farrell that my sister, Vivien had been killed in a car accident and her husband, Billy Mac was in critical condition. My Mother was in the Corsicana hospital in serious condition. John drove us to Malakoff because I was in no condition to drive after hearing the sad news. Another sad thing that happened October 14, 1967, 58 years ago, happened when John and I arrived in Malakoff. I had never seen my grandfather Oscar cry before, but as soon as he saw me, he began crying. I can still see him sitting in his chair in our Malakoff living room, crying like a baby. This is forever imprinted in my mind. After 58 years, many memories are foggy, but always sad. We knew Mother was not in good condition and was in the Corsicana hospital and we knew Billy Mac had been transferred to Waco with a severe head injury. The next sad thing I remember (which may not have happened next, it is just the next memory I have) as I walked down the hallway after entering the hospital I saw Bill and Joyce Ingram walking toward me. This picture is still vivid in my mind and In my mind I only see Bill, who was wring his hands walking toward me and crying. I am not sure if it was at the same time but I also I remember as  I entered the Corsicana hospital, I was met by Uncle Durwood and his wife, both crying. It was indeed a sad time.

God has a way of putting things in place that we do not understand at the time. Bubba (Paul Jr. Powers) was living in Minnesota at the time and I am not sure when he was able to come, but he got there as quickly as he could. Bubba loved Mother(as well as Billy Mac and Vivien) and he came to be with us and to help. It has been too many years, but I remember a couple, the Hills, invited Bubba and I to stay with them as long as we needed to so we would be close to Mother and could check on her. The Hills happened to be at the hospital when they learned of the situation and somehow they contacted us and Bubba and I were grateful and accepted their offer. The Hills owned a small restaurant nearby and when they learned that Billy Mac and Vivien were members of the Church of Christ, they wanted to help because they were members of the Corsicana Church of Christ. Bubba and I were able to stay with the Hills several nights and because we were close, we were able to visit Mother, even though most of the time, she was not totally awake. There is no doubt God had a hand in saving Mother and in placing us with the Hills.

The next thing I remember is the funeral, which happened several days later. Mother was still mostly unconscious and was not able to be at Billy Mac’s and Vivien’s memorial service. My Aunt Martha Farrell stayed with Mother while the service took place.

https://blakehart.com/MacIngramSalute.html Billy Mac’s birthday was August 13, please click on this link to see Billy Mac’s accomplishments during his brief earthly presence.

NOTE: If you decide to look at all of the links, it will take some time. Please save this link

VIVIEN’S LINKS The following links have incorrect dates that I do not know how to correct.

Viv @ LAMAR 60 YEARS AGO

Viv graduated from Port Neches Groves High School in 1959 and Lamar Tech in 1963. She and Billy Mac were married, July 4, 1963 NOTE: Use the back arrow to go back to this site after viewing the link

Our V.I.P. Vivien Ingram Powers

Vivien’s High School Activities


Vivien’s activities at Lamar Tech in ’59-‘61


Viv Sweetheart of Sigma Chi Finalist


Vivien nominated for “Sweetheart of Sigma Chi”

Link to Precious Moments my Poem

Extra notes: My Dad Was Albert Henderson and he was killed in a car accident in 1939, when I was 8 months old. My mother, out of love, left me with my Grandparents, Oscar and Grace Henderson. Mother later married Paul Powers and he became my Step Father. Paul Junior (Bubba) Powers became my Step Brother. Vivien became my new little sister in 1941. God blessed us with an Earthly Angel for a time.. far too short.


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9 responses to “PRECIOUS MOMENTS”

  1. j2kxd Avatar

    In remembrance of that fateful day, October 14, 1967

    1. j2kxd Avatar

      Thank you LaDona. I am just now learning how to use this WordPress. That is the reason I am just now replying.

  2. LaDona Rogers Davis Avatar
    LaDona Rogers Davis

    I will never forget this tragic event in our family’s lives. We were all greatly affected by the loss of Vivien and Billy Mac. Vivien being a cousin that I so looked up and Billy Mac being so well know to our family, seemed to make just the perfect couple. Part of the reason I wanted a major in speech was because of Vivien. Everyone loved Vivien so much in our family.

    1. j2kxd Avatar

      Thank you, dear cousin.

  3. Eva Wright Avatar
    Eva Wright

    Thanks Don for these memories.You always post such lovely memories.I cry each time this terrible month comes as Dad was killed I believe the date was the 16th.

    1. j2kxd Avatar

      Eva, you had as much or more misery than we had. Your Dad was one of my very favorites, as well as your Mother. This time of year is always hard for us and it doesn’t get any easier. One thing I shall always be thankful for is the way Bill and Joyce dealt with the insurance. If you remember, Mac and Viv had each other as the recipient in case of their death, which meant that since Viv died first, Mac was the recipient. Your parents opted to share and they did were not required to. Another thing, I remember sitting in the face to face with the drunk driver after the wreck after Mother had recovered. It was traumatic for all parties.

  4. Peggy R Stone Cheek Avatar
    Peggy R Stone Cheek

    Thank you, Don. From my teaching world history, I recall that Ancient Egyptians said, “When we speak of the dead, they live!” This is so true because when you write/speak/remind us of Billy Mack & Vivian, they live on in our hearts & memories. They have been with the Lord all these years & have rejoiced around God’s Throne as His Glory shines so brightly. We look forward to Reunion Day and enjoying all that God has promised.

    Love to you & your sweet family. Praying for each of you & ask that you pray for me. I am having a terrible time of nerve pain in both hips (Injections on 27th) & a cough from “hades!” I saw dr. yesterday; got Steroid shot & Cough RX. Praying & believing God’s Promise “to meet every need.”
    Peggy

    1. j2kxd Avatar

      Peggy, thank you so much for this reply. Please see following scriptures: Matthew 22:25-32 and Luke 16:19-21. Love you cousin.

    2. j2kxd Avatar

      Thanks, Peggy. Just now saw this Dec. 27, 2025

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