ANN , Laura Ann Wilkins Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Laura Ann Wilkins, (Ann) passed from this life on Thursday June 16, surrounded by family in her home from Parkinson's. She was born on December 28, 1949, in Albany Oklahoma to Troy Kimble and Betty V. Tigner (Pierce). She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles Tigner, Denison TX and Wayne Tigner, Paola, Kansas and sister Joy Mae Varner of Mead Ok. Ann is survived by her husband Dr.Leonard (Doc) Wilkins, their four children Lacy Van Meter, Tim Van Meter of Durant, Lori Howard (Tuffy) and Jason Wilkins both of Tahlequah; grandchildren Stella Caskey and Jonah Van Meter of Milburn, C.J. and Jessica Howard of Broken Arrow and Jack and Audie Howard of Hulbert and three great grandchildren Conner, MaKensie and Reese. Also surviving are sister Mary Ownby ( Floyd) of South Carolina and brother Joe Tigner of Olathe, Kansas as well as manyy loved nieces, nephews and very special friends. Best dog ever, Gus. Ann attended Southeastern State University where she earned her Master of Business Administration and a Master of Administrative Studies. In Durant, Ann was the Human, Resources Coordinator for Staff One, Inc., a co-owner of Associated Travel; Director of the Alumni Foundation and Executive Secretary of the University Foundation at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In 1995 Ann moved from Durant and was a Shelter Insurance Agent in Muskogee and then began a long career working 27 years as a Mediator for the Oklahoma Supreme court in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. Ann traveled 11 counties providing mediation services to thousands of individuals. Her success rate of mediating family cases was an amazing 80%. Ann's hobbies included attending grandchildren's sporting events, shopping and traveling the world, especially with her girls group. She traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Italy and Iceland just to name a few. While at these places she would often deliver school supplies for elementary schools. Ann also loved to dress up and participated in several pageants, earning the titles of Mrs. Oklahoma US, Mrs. Arkansas US and Ms. Classic Oklahoma, 2005. She had the remarkable ability to say yes to every civic, social, fundraisers and leadership development that had to do with the children of the World. Ann was a member of the Tahlequah Kiwanis Club and served as Club Treasurer and President. She served the Texas-Oklahoma District as Lt. Governor and Governor. She received recognition as being "distinguished" in each of those roles and was Kiwanian of the Year. She served Kiwanis International as a Trustee of The Kiwanis International Children's Fund and was President of the Kiwanis International Children's Fund in 2019-2022. Ann was honored as a Water Zeller Fellow and a George F. Hixson Fellow, and has received life member status. She has served as President and Vice president of the Cherokee County Civic Cultural Center -The Thompson House in Tahlequah; President of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce; served as Vice President of Tourism Tahlequah; was a Chamber ambassador and was selected as Honor Graduate of her Leadership Tahlequah Class. She was Past President of Durant Homebuilders Auxiliary and Outstanding President of the National Homebuilders Assn; Past President of Keep Oklahoma Beautiful; Co -Author Regional History of Durant, Oklahoma and Outstanding Women for Oklahoma Jaycees. Ann is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, International, and the First Baptist Church in Tahlequah. Her endless enthusiasm, energy and beautiful smile will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to The Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah or The Thompson House.

ANN , Laura Ann Wilkins

December 28, 1949 - June 16, 2022

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