Mrs. Nelda Jane Wilson

NELDA JANE WILSON Nelda Jane Wilson, a longtime Bartlesville resident, passed away on February 5, 2016 at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa at age 74 after a short illness. Nelda was born on September 15, 1941 in Cushing, Oklahoma . She was the daughter of Milton Turner Carter and Alta Leona (Holderread) Carter. She grew up in Cushing, attending grade school there and graduated from Cushing High School in 1959. It was while attending Wilson Elementary School that she discovered her lifelong love of teaching. Her second grade teacher, Miss Gwen Cramer, was the influence that started Nelda on her course toward a career in education. She attended Oklahoma State University, beginning in 1959. She was initiated into Delta Zeta Sorority in 1961, living in the sorority house until graduation. She remained active in Delta Zeta for the rest of her life. She graduated from OSU in May of 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She subsequently received her Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from OSU in May of 1967. Nelda was engaged to her high school sweetheart, Travis Wilson, on Christmas Eve 1962. They were married June 15, 1963 in the First Christian Church in Cushing, Oklahoma. Her teaching/counseling career began in August 1963 in Cushing. There, she taught second grade at her old school, Wilson Elementary. She and Travis moved to Stillwater in 1965, where she taught fourth grade at Lincoln Elementary. She started counseling in 1966 at C. E. Donart High School in Stillwater. In 1967, Travis accepted a job with Phillips Petroleum and they moved to Bartlesville. Nelda began a combination fourth/fifth grade teaching position at Lincoln Elementary. Their daughter, Dawn, was born May 2, 1968. Their son, Kahle, was born July 20, 1970. Nelda began her next career as a stay-at-home mom, and enjoyed that immensely. When Kahle started school, Nelda went back to work as an English and Speech teacher at Central Junior High. She held that position for 13 years. She transitioned into a counseling position at Hoover Elementary, which she held for 12 years. In May 1998, she retired from education to enjoy traveling and spending more time with Travis and their grandchildren. Her children, and eventually grandchildren, were the focus of her life. She was always involved in her children’s activities while they were growing up. She was in the Phillips 66 Splash Club Parent Group when Dawn swam and a Sigma Chi Mom while Kahle was in college. Once grandchildren arrived she spent countless hours attending sporting events, school activities and band concerts. Nelda was very active in organizations throughout High School, her time at OSU, and in her professional life. She was a lifetime OSU Alumni member, a lifetime Delta Zeta Sorority member, a member of the Oklahoma Education Association, AAUW, and YWCA. She was a life member of the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association as well as the National Education Association. She was a member of the Washington County Retired Educators Association, serving as President from 2002-2004 and Vice President from 1999-2001. She was very active with the 55+ Activity Center, serving as President at the time of her passing. She was an active member of Disciples Christian Church and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution until her passing As anyone who knew Nelda would agree, she never met a stranger. She was always ready to talk to anyone she met, usually trying to figure out if she had taught them in school, or if she had taught their parents. She loved to dance and led line dancing at 55+ up until the time of her death. She also enjoyed traveling with Travis, and they took many trips to Branson, Hawaii and other locales to visit friends and family. Nelda is survived by her husband, Travis, of the family home; sister Nancy Franklin of Cushing; daughter Dawn and her husband Scott, of Bartlesville; son Kahle and his wife Stephany of Edmond; and grandchildren Kayna, Turner, Cooper, Kaden and Kyler. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton Turner Carter and Alta Leona (Holderread) Carter. The family would like to thank all of her friends who have expressed their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 55+ Activity Center (1400 SE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006) or the Bartlesville Public School Foundation (1100 S. Jennings, Bartlesville, OK 74003). A celebration of life memorial service will be held Friday, February 12th at 10:30 AM at First Christian Church in Bartlesville. Reverend Scott Taylor of Disciples Christian Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home. Friends who wish may sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.stumpff.org

Mrs. Nelda Jane Wilson

September 15, 1941 - February 5, 2016