Delores Wilson, 95, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma and former longtime Coffeyville resident passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at her daughters' home in Locust Grove.

 

She was born on March 31, 1929, in LeRoy, Kansas to Eldon L. and Alma Katherine (Folk) Meek. Delores' life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the strength of a woman who knew the value of family. Her educational journey included rural schools in the Coffeyville area and graduating from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville in 1946.

 

On July 11, 1947, she married William Vernon Wilson at Marshfield, Missouri.  Following their marriage, they moved to Colorado for pipeline work, followed by moves to several other states, before making their home in the Coffeyville area where they raised their three children.  Delores’ first job was teaching school at West Brown where she taught 1st through 8th grades.  Delores and Vernon owned a small grocery store in Coffeyville for awhile and she also later worked in other grocery stores as well.  She also enjoyed a career at First National Bank and later Bank IV where she served in Customer Service and New Accounts until her retirement. After retiring, Delores and her husband, Vernon, moved to Monkey Island at Grand Lake. Following Vernon's passing in 2011, Delores moved to Locust Grove to be closer to her daughter, Yvonne.

 

Delores was a loving and thoughtful woman, whose energy and kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love for life was reflected in her hobbies, which included traveling, spending winters in South Texas, and trying new recipes. Delores had a particular fondness for baking, with her apple pies becoming the stuff of family legend. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and collecting Denim Days Figurines. She was a member of Mirza Shriners’  Ladies Auxiliary, Women’s Auxiliary Association of Monkey Island, and Extreme Church.

 

In addition to her daughter, Yvonne, and son-in-law, Dan, Delores is survived by her son, David, and his wife, RoseMerida of Logsden, OR, her son, Timothy, and his wife, Janie of Manhattan, KS,  two brothers, Ken Meek and his wife Kay of Norman, OK, Steven Meek and his wife Marjorie of Coffeyville, KS, and her sister, Margaret Grothe of St. Louis, MO.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.  Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Alma Meek, her beloved husband, William Vernon Wilson, her brothers, Lloyd, Dan, and David Meek, and her sister, June Elaine Strimple.

 

The celebration of Delores' life will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the First Southern Baptist Church, 2701 West 8th Street, Coffeyville, Kansas with Pastor Ronnie Gaines of Extreme Church in Pryor, Oklahoma officiating. Burial will be next to her husband Vernon in Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville.

 

Friends may call on Friday, May 31st, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas.  The family will greet friends and family on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Extreme Church in Pryor, Oklahoma; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

 

To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com

 

David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.