Frederica Wyatt

Frederica Charlotte Burt Wyatt, 91, a native of Junction, answered her Master’s call on October 31, 2021.

Frederica was born July 2, 1930 to John Matt, Jr. and Bessie Lee (Allsup) Burt on a ranch near Telegraph in Kimble County.  Frederica married the love of her life, Chevis R. Wyatt on January 29, 1955 in Junction; they had one daughter, Charlotte.

Frederica was an honor graduate of Junction High School, and received credits from Texas A&M and North Texas Universities where she graduated from the Institute of Municipal Clerks, she also is a Registered Professional Assessor and a member of the Board of Tax Examiners.

Frederica was first employed by the city of Junction as secretary-bookkeeper, and became city secretary in 1967.  She was Junction’s first female mayor, and held that office for 3 years; serving the city in many areas.  After choosing only one term of service, she returned to the City Secretary post; retiring after 39 years of public service.

Frederica was a talented writer and poet, and shared her gift in many ways.  She co-authored the book, Coke R. Stevenson, A Texas Legend; served as editor and chairman for Families of Kimble County; wrote and compiled, Peace in the Valley – a chronicle of the cemeteries in Kimble County, she contributed regularly to The Junction Eagle as well as writing her weekly column “Meanderings”; many other newspapers and magazines benefitted from her talents as well.

Frederica was named 1967 Mrs. Citizen, 1985 Kimble County Citizen of the Year, and Texas City Secretary of the Year, 1987.  She received State recognition as a committee member of the Kimble County Historical Commission.  She is listed in Who’s Who of Texas; Who’s Who of South and Southwest; American Who’s Who of Women; personalities of the South and Notable Americans During the Bicentennial Era.

Frederica’s involvement in the community is rarely matched.  Memberships and offices include: chairman, Kimble County Historical Commission; Regent, Daughters of the American Revolution; United Daughters 1812; chairman, Sesquicentennial Commission; co-chairman, Kimble County Centennial Commission, 1976; charter member and past president, Kimble B&PW Club; past president, American Legion Auxiliary #237; past president, Hill Country City Secretaries Association; Association City Clerks; Secretaries of Texas; International Institute of Municipal Clerks; Kimble County Community Action Council; Kimble County Senior Citizens Committee; past president, Leisure Lodge Family Council; volunteer, Cemetery Aid Society; volunteer, South Llano State Park; lecturer, Elderhostel Sessions, Texas Tech University Center; past Worthy Matron, Order of the Eastern Star; co-chairman, JHS Exes; chairman, ’93 Olympic Torch Run; past president, Junction Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Frederica was the first female to join the Junction Rotary Club in 1990; their first female president 1995-96; became a Paul Harris Fellow in 2007 receiving multiple since; and served many years as secretary. The city named July 16, 1994 “Frederica Wyatt Day” and celebrations were held in her honor.

Frederica loved history and genealogy, and spent her retirement researching and using her knowledge to better her community.  She was very instrumental in working to preserve Kimble County History, working at the museum and seeing the museum moved to its new location.  She wrote the history on every historical marker in Kimble County.   Frederica spent countless hours at cemeteries, but especially the Junction City Cemetery she oversaw for many years; she knew it so well she rarely needed the map to explain a location.

Frederica’s connection to Junction and Kimble county is immeasurable; it would be impossible to list everything she was a part of, and the wealth of knowledge she had.  Overall family was the most important to her; not just her family, but all families.

Frederica is preceded in death by her parents, John Matt, Jr. and Bessie Burt; husband, Chevis R. Wyatt; 3 brothers, Andrew Matt Burt, Sr. Fane Lee Burt; and Britton A. Burt; sister, Margaret M. Gaver; 2 nephews, Fane Britt Burt, and Andrew Matt Burt, Jr.; and niece, Margaret Gaver.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Charlotte Rohowetz and husband John of Hutto; sisters-in-law, Polly Burt, Ruth Wyatt Jones, and Barbara Wyatt; nephews, James C. Burt, T. James Vick; nieces, Deborah Burt, Rebecca Burt, Hyacinth Easton, Joanna Copeland, Margaret Handy; great-nieces and great-nephews; 2 great-great-nephews; and 2 great-great-nieces; numerous cousins; all of whom she loved greatly.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday at Kimble Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Junction with Charles Hagood officiating.  Interment will follow at Junction City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Teel, Andy Murr, Ted Morgan, Clyde Lawler, John Stapp, and Bill Thedford.

A reception will be held from 1:30 - 3:00 PM, Wednesday, at the Kimble County Museum.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076