Obituary for Sherry Wilkinson

Sherry Wilkinson

September 27, 1941 – November 2, 2019

Sherry Matilda Burgert Wilkinson of Blackwell, Oklahoma, peacefully left this world to celebrate in heaven in the early morning of November 2, 2019, at the beautiful age of 78 years.

Sherry was born September 27, 1941, in Quinton, Oklahoma, to Earl “Little Early” and Clark (Brooks) Reed. She attended Quinton Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1959. Sherry received numerous awards including nine years of perfect attendance, 4-H project ribbons, and she lettered in music and basketball. Sherry furthered her education by attending Eastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Wilberton and graduated with an Associate of Business Education degree in 1961. She continued her education at Northeaster State College in Tahlequah. On December 27, 1961, Sherry married John Edward Burgert in Denison, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education on 1963. As a young couple, they moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1963, and she began her thirty year teaching career. While there she attended the University of Arizona before returning to Oklahoma where she taught elementary school in Kinta Public Schools. Sherry accepted a job in the Kaw City Public Schools serving as the last principal of Kaw City High School before the school was moved to make room for Kaw Lake. She went on to complete her Masters in Education degree at Oklahoma State University in 1965. Sherry retired from teaching in 1993, ending her twenty-seven year career with Blackwell Public Schools. She received numerous teaching awards throughout the years. She taught English, Photography, Yearbook, Business Accounting, Typing, Shorthand and was Blackwell High Schools first computer teacher. Her husband preceded her in death on May 25, 1998.

Students far and wide still recall her stern teaching methods and fierce attitude, making her a Blackwell High School legend. However, she is also fondly remembered for her kind and caring nature and helping students through many personal obstacles. When you had Sherry in your life, you had her in your corner for a lifetime.

Sherry was baptized at the age of seven and was excited to tell her friends. She would become a fifty-three year member and a cornerstone of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell. She served as a Sunday School teacher for over forty years. She also taught Sunday School classes on live television feeds for the First Baptist Church worship hour. She served as Vacation Bible School chairman and as a summer camp leader at Falls Creek. Sherry also served as church clerk and secretary for over thirty years. She was involved with the Women’s Missionary Unit and the State Baptist General Convention of W.M.U. holding several offices in both organizations. She was in charge of the local Operation Christmas Child which was very dear to her heart. Sherry also served as church pianist in First Baptist Church in Blackwell and Kildare.

On July 24, 2000, she married James Edward Wilkinson Sr. in Blackwell and they would begin their missionary work together that would last their entire nineteen year marriage. They were members of the Northeast Baptist Church choir and sang in numerous Christmas Pageants and Easter Cantatas.

The couple traveled around the country helping to build churches through the Bethel Builders. They also were active in Associated Charities holding board positions.

Sherry’s hobbies and interests included her children and grandchildren, whom she adored, studying her Bible and all religions, traveling, quilting, playing the piano and singing, mission work and bringing the lost to God.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Wilkinson Sr. of Blackwell; a son, Ray Clark Burgert and wife Susie of Dodge City, Kansas; a daughter, Vanessa Longoria and husband Mark of Blue Springs, Missouri; two step-sons, Frank Allen Wilkinson and wife Melissa of Paris, Arkansas, and James Edward Wilkinson Jr. of Blackwell; grandchildren, Tanner Longoria and Trevor Longoria of Blue Springs, Missouri, Clark Edward Burgert of Dodge City, Kansas, Chad Dawson of Ponca City, and Lori Wilkinson Morrison and husband Neil of Arkansas City, Kansas; eight great grandchildren; nine great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, J. D. Reed; two brothers-in-law, David Burgert and Robert Burgert; and her mother-in-law, Marie Burgert.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7th in the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Randy Ratliff officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Tanner Longoria, Trevor Longoria, Clark Burgert, Cecil Day, Frank Allen Wilkinson and James Edward Wilkinson Jr. Serving as honorary casketbearers will be Anita Craig, Colene Mercer, Sally Norris Johnson, Sherry Glenny, Roletta Noblett, Edna Suggs and Sharon Miller.

A memorial has been established in her honor with the First Baptist Church in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.