In Passing

Lura Fae Stubbs

Ms. Lura Fae Stubbs, 86, of Goodyear, Ariz., slipped into eternity Sept. 7, 2021 in Goodyear, Ariz., with her loving husband and oldest daughter Deborah by her side. She was born April 11, 1935, to George Conkling and Emily Conkling in Los Angeles, Calif. She is survived by her husband, Les Stubbs; daughters Deborah Stubbs and Gale McNatt; and sons Jack Stubbs and John Stubbs. She also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister Penny Slaubaugh. 

Lura was married at 18 to high school friend Les and celebrated 68 years of happy marriage. They had four children by the time she was 24, and her greatest joy in life was raising them. In 1999, Lura and Les moved from San Diego, California to PebbleCreek in Goodyear, Ariz. Lura was a member of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 20 years and loved singing in their choir. A budding artist, she was a proud Navy wife for 21 years. Her brief working life consisted of being a secretary for the San Diego Life Insurance Association and as a receptionist for a chiropractor.

The family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences can be sent at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

David James Wilson

Dr. David Wilson, beloved father, son, brother, husband, scholar, mentor, author, and exceptional human being, passed away suddenly late Friday evening, Sept. 17, 2021, at the age of 82. He had successfully recovered from a COVID-19 infection, but in returning to his life’s passion—church music—his dear heart was finally overcome by complications of the virus. He died with a smile on his face, returning to his Creator and the divine light of the universe.

David remained intensely engaged with his work as the Music Director at Christ Presbyterian Church in Goodyear, Ariz., right to the last minutes of his life. Innumerable people across the world are grieving the loss of this great man. From Thailand to Brazil to Samoa to China, former students, colleagues, and friends are united in grief and deep appreciation.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338.

On Oct. 14, 1938, at 11:30 a.m., a son was born to David Halley Wilson and Marjorie Preshaw Wilson in Merced, Calif. They named their boy David James, and noted his unusually active vocal patterns through his first months. His childhood was filled with play in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose with his older brother George. The two cultivated a unique bond and fierce loyalty that continued throughout their lives.

Upon graduating from Willow Glen High School in 1957, David made a crucial decision that continues to reverberate around the world: He decided to pursue a life studying, teaching, and performing music. Through gritty determination, sharp focus, endless curiosity, and above all a deep belief in the power of music, David achieved bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of the Pacific, and then his Doctorate of Choral Music and Conducting from the highly regarded University of Illinois in 1973.

David was Professor Emeritus of the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. In addition, he served as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Long Beach Bach Festival. David adjudicated at many festivals and lectured around the world. A teacher of teachers.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, you find a person of deep empathy and grace. David believed in people. He believed in the potential inside every person to fully realize their dreams. After all, had he not done that himself? Had he not faced his own doubt, the challenge of being a left-handed conductor, the vagaries of a career in academia? He was disarming, incredibly warm, and ready to listen, really listen to what was beneath the surface of your life. David believed in people.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and prayers. Personal tributes are encouraged and can be posted to David’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.wilson.1829405.

To honor David and support the future of music at Christ Presbyterian Church of Goodyear, a gift can be made at https://cpcgoodyear.org.