1947-2020
Marilyn (Sheperd) Wilson was born in Elk City to E.J. and Angie Faye Gass August 28, 1947. She passed away May 21, 2020 in Waco, Texas, after a long illness, which she handled with strength and persistence.
She graduated from Hammon High School, where she excelled in basketball, scoring a record 54 points in a game. She carried that winning spirit into business, owning several successful companies for over 30 years, including Weatherford’s Kash-N-Karry, Spuds and Burgers, The Shoe Store, and a used car lot.
She was married to Melvin (Shep) Sheperd for 25 years and members of their family include: three stepdaughters, Kristy (deceased), Kathy, and Kelli; stepson, Karey; and four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Korey, Kristin, and Kayla.
Following Shep’s death, Marilyn married John Wilson in 1994 and they made their home in Weatherford and Hammon before moving to Texas in 2010. Her Wilson family includes: two stepsons, Eric and wife Lynette, and John Jr. and wife Kim; six grandchildren, Blake and wife Bailey, Meredith and husband Brandon, Paige and husband Bradley, Jared, Luke, and Caleb.
Marilyn was “Mom” to many, both within her family and several she mentored at work. She spent a lifetime serving others and spreading joy in countless ways. She was known for her strong work ethic, keen sense of humor and delicious home-cooked meals. She had a compassionate touch, and yet was prepared to use a gun, if needed.
She is survived by: her husband, John; family previously mentioned; and four sisters-in-law, Kathy Gass, Mildred Hawkins, Marcella Sheperd and Pat Blackwell.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sonny, and Loren with wife Brenda.
A memorial service was held at Red Hill Cemetery in Hammon on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, under the direction of Whinery Funeral Service of Elk City.
The family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to those who played such an important role throughout Marilyn’s life. She was a remarkable lady whose impact was felt by all she encountered. Marilyn would be the first to admit how fortunate she was to know so many kind and loving people. There is no denying Marilyn possessed an extraordinary capacity to love others and she did this extremely well. Certainly, God used her mightily throughout her 72 years by her many displays of love, support and encouragement.