Mary Kathleen Wilson

February 5, 1921 - December 26, 2020

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mary's Obituary

Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Wilson was born on February 5, 1921, in Holland, Missouri, the second of four children of William and Mattie Mae Northern. She graduated from Holland High School in 1939, where she was a softball and basketball star. Kathy worked in Blytheville at a local radio station for a short time and then moved to Long Beach, CA. It was there that she met a young handsome soldier and later married Calvert Wallace Wilson on June 28, 1945, in Yarbro, Arkansas.  They were blessed with two beautiful daughters,

Jan and June. The family moved several times due to Calvert being in the Air Force, including two years in Japan. Kathy was the consummate wife and mother during all of these assignments. After Calvert’s military retirement, the family settled in Oklahoma City. The girls were in high school and Kathy worked as a school secretary at Hillcrest Elementary school and Calvert worked at Tinker AFB. In 1971 Calvert and Kathy made the decision regarding their retirement home after investigating many possibilities.  They built their dream home on the banks of Table Rock Lake near Shell Knob, Missouri. This home would be very important in keeping the family together for several generations. Their kids, grandkids, and great grandchildren cherished spending time with Kathy (later deemed GMa) at the lake. Kathy enjoyed this time at the lake, swimming and water skiing. She joined a golf league and made many new friends playing golf, playing cards, and attending music shows in nearby Branson.

They were also able to make several trips to Europe, Japan, and Hawaii. Calvert’s health deteriorated and Kathy was again the ultimate care giver and devoted wife. When the task became too great she finally moved Calvert to a Veterans home in Mt. Vernon, MO.   She would make the one hour drive everyday to visit him. She was very proficient in negotiating the curves at a relatively high speed to make this daily trip.  Calvert departed this life on August 23, 1996. Kathy then began another chapter in her life pursuing her sporting interests and card playing and making many trips to OKC and various boat shows representing the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce with several of her dear friends. Kathy was devoted to her Lord and to her local church, the Shell Knob church of Christ.

She was surrounded by special neighbors and friends for many years. At the age of 95 she was finally convinced that she needed to quit driving and move to OKC to reside with her daughter June. She gave up living independently and driving to make this move however, she never sacrificed her independent spirit. She was very content and satisfied with her new home and finally she was able to be cared for rather than being the caregiver. She loved basketball and became a devoted Thunder fan and especially cherished the times that she could attend games in person.  Kathy received the ultimate reward early in the morning of December 26, 2020, in her bed in the arms of her loving daughter and moved to join the family of believers with Jesus in Heaven.

Kathy was preceded in death by her daughter, Jan, on December 5, 2011 , which was a tragic loss for a loving mother. She is survived by her loving brother, Fenter Northern, who she always loved, respected, and relied upon. She is also survived by her daughter June and husband John Cromling of Edmond, OK, five grandchildren Yvette Conner, Natalie Renn, Johnny Cromling, Josh Cromling, and Julie Mesa. She was also blessed with eleven great grandchildren  Amelia Bettati ; Emeryn, Ashlyn, Madyson, and London Renn; Jake and Caroline Cromling; Rylee and Zoey Cromling; Megan and Addie Mesa. Addie was a special friend, coach, and playmate of her beloved GMa. A graveside service for the family will be held in Steele, Missouri on Monday, January 4 and a memorial service will be held later at the Shell Knob church of Christ when it is safe to gather and celebrate her long and vibrant life.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Shell Knob church of Christ , PO Box 202 Shell Knob, MO, 65747, in her name due to her love for that church family for 50 years.