A Celebration of Life for Mary A. (Wilkinson) Gunning, age 93 years, of Enid, is 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Garland Road Baptist Church with Pastor Billy Benson officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Mary was born December 26, 1925 in Oilton, Oklahoma to Jesse and Alta (Isaac) Wilkinson, and passed away Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Lewisville, Texas.
She graduated from Cherokee High School in 1943. She worked at Cessna Aircraft Factory in Wichita, Kansas; The Prisoner of War Camp at Alva, OK; Enid Army Base, and Gold Spot Dairy. She was united in marriage to L. Hinson Gunning on August 18, 1946. To this union was born two daughters, Cherie Ann and Kathy Denise. She was an office manager for Dr. Buvinger until her retirement in 1987. Mary was very active in the community; she joined the Excelsior Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, holding several offices, including President in 1985-1986. She was a founding member of Garland Road Baptist Church where she was active in many capacities. She taught Sunday school and helped prepare meals for the Wednesday night dinners. Mary volunteered at Integris Bass Baptist Hospital, where she was a life member of the Integris Bass Baptist Hospital Auxiliary. In 2017 she was proud to be awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award by RSVP of Enid. She was an avid golfer and belonged to the Meadowlake Women’s Golf Association. She and Hinson enjoyed camping and square dancing.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Hinson Gunning; son-in-law Tom Laird; one sister, and three brothers. She is survived by her two daughters, Cherie Laird of El Paso, TX; Kathy Throckmorton and husband Rick, of Lewisville, TX; five grandchildren, Traci Laird Kilmer and husband Don, of El Paso, TX; Lisa Munoz and husband Boone, of Sanger, TX; Brad Laird and wife Andrea, of El Paso, TX; Bria Pagliaro and husband Jonathan, of Tracy, CA; Colin Throckmorton and wife Susanna, of Newark, TX; and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Garland Road Baptist Church with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.