A bear statue in the middle of Roosevelt Park in downtown Hebron Nebraska honors local high school students generally and one on particular: Marsha Virgin Williams, Class of 1959.
This statue of a menacing and growling bear stands near the picnic gazebo and playground in the middle of Roosevelt Park, downtown Hebron Nebraska. The Hebron bear is the mascot for Hebron high school.
The bear appears to be life-size. It is walking toward the viewer. The bear's mouth is open like he is growling at someone he encountered in his territory.
The statue is affixed to a large local Nebraska sandstone rock in the middle of a rant neat round pile of large river rocks in the center of the large walkway leading to the gazebo.
Two plaques in front of the statue read as follows:
[1st plaque]
In memory of
MARSHA VIRGIN WILLIAMS
Class of 1959
"Go Bears"
[2nd plaque]
A Tribute to Hebron, Its People and Its Schools
This statue of our school’s mascot, the Hebron Bear, is dedicated to our classmates and friends who made our time in school so memorable, to the teachers, coaches, school board volunteers and administrators who provided the invaluable guidance and motivation early in our lives, and to the local community and its citizens for providing such a wonderful education and place in which to grow up.
This school and this community have proudly provided a quality education for nearly 3500 of its children from 1871 through 2000 as Hebron High School.
We dedicate the statue in its honor and memory.
Gratefully,
The Alumni of Hebron High School"
More on Marsha Virgin Williams from her obituary: (
visit link)
"Marcia Kay Williams of Hebron departed this life on July 19, 2014 at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, NE after battling an extended illness. Marcia was the only child of Robert and Dorothy (Gordon) Virgin born in Hebron, NE on Dec 8, 1940. Marcia married the love of her life, Ronald Dean Williams on Jan 17, 1958 at the Belvidere Christian Church in Belvidere, NE. The marriage of Ron and Marcia was first blessed with three children, Tammi Lee born in Holbrook, AZ, Michele D. born in Butte, MT, and Gregory L. in Yuma, AZ. The dedicated wife and family traveled extensively throughout the southwest due to Ron’s employment where they had many adventures. The family returned and settled in Hebron in 1964 where Ron went to work in the family business, Williams Drilling Company in Belvidere, NE. Ron and Marcia then had two additional children Robin Ray born in Hebron and Shanon Chambers born in Belleville, KS.
Marcia was an influential and constant positive force in the community where she was involved in Job’s Daughters, Eastern Star, Girl Scouts, bowling league, Thayer County Feeders, Young Republicans, the Jaycees, Belvidere’s Women’s club, and Belvidere Better Homemakers Extension Club, and she was a member of the Hebron Presbyterian Church. Marcia’s employment included Wiedel’s Clothing, the City of Hebron, H&R Block, and the Thayer County court house as well as being a loving mother, nurse, care giver, referee, maid, chief cook, proud supporter of her husband, and peace maker to her family.
To her credit, she was a fashionista, home decorator, accomplished seamstress, and crafter of which she found great enjoyment. She loved all animals, especially birds, cats, and dogs, along with flowers and gardening. She was a vivacious spunky woman who liked to indulge in life’s pleasures by celebrating and dancing. She loved to dance polka, particularly the Flying Dutchman, country swing, and she had a liking for the chicken dance. However, no matter the music, she was sure to enjoy herself as long as she was in the arms of her husband. Some of her favorite music included Johny Cash, Mickey Gillie, Marty Robbins, Glen Campbell, and most polka music. Ultimately, she was guaranteed to be having a good time when she was in the company of her dear friends and family which continued to grow to include eleven grandchildren, one great-grandson, and two on the way.
Marcia’s family continues to grow and includes daughter Tammi and significant other Kevin Budke of North Platte and her children Christopher and wife Traci with baby Fangmeier on the way, and Andrew Fangmeier all of Hebron.
Michele and Doug Modlin of Hebron and their children Anthony, wife Tara, and their son Elijah of Omaha, and Brandon, wife Sarah, with baby Modlin on the way, of Hastings.
Greg and significant other Michelle Kleen of Nelson NE, and Greg’s children Justin of Lincoln, NE, Christian of Wichita Falls, TX, and Weslynn of Nelson, NE.
Robin and wife Debby of Beatrice and their daughter Caitlyn.
Shanon and wife Jenni of Hebron and their children Dalton, Maddison, and Dylan.
She has joined her parents Robert and Dorothy (Gordon) Virgin as well as her mother and father-in-law Lawrence and Pauline (Corliss) Williams in heaven.
The celebration of life service for Marcia will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, NE on Wednesday, 23 July 2014 at 2:00 P.M. The internment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hebron immediately following the service. Memorials directed to the family, and will be distributed to the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department and the Wounded Warrior Project. Price Funeral Home of Hebron, Nebraska was entrusted with the arrangements."