Jackie Wilkinson

Jackie Lou Wilkinson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was 74 years young. Born on May 21, 1951, in Hobart, Oklahoma, Jackie was a shining light from the beginning. A graduate of Midwest City High School, Class of 1969, she continued her education at Rose State College. Jackie devoted over 35 years of dedicated civil service at Tinker Air Force Base. After retiring, she found renewed purpose and joy working as a faithful employee at Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Homes for over two years, continuing her lifelong mission of serving others with dignity and compassion. Jackie was also a proud and passionate supporter of her daughters' military careers and an active contributor to military family support organizations.
A lifelong and devoted servant of Christ, Jackie was a cherished member of Sooner Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her generous spirit, her boundless love for others, and her tireless acts of service. She found deep joy in attending and serving at Falls Creek each summer, which she planned for year-round.
A safe harbor to many and a bright source of light in dark times, Jackie was the kind of person who made anyone feel at home. She had a radiant, infectious smile and a laugh that could lift a room. Her quick wit, warmth, and colorful personality made her unforgettable. She was fun, fiercely funny, and full of life-truly a beautiful, vibrant soul.
Jackie loved people and thrived in community. She never met a stranger and made fast friends wherever she went. She especially cherished her weekly breakfast and gab fests with her siblings-a time filled with laughter, storytelling, and connection. During the summers, she enjoyed "shop hopping" across Oklahoma with her brother, sister, and sister-in-law, in search of the most beautiful quilt blocks and hidden treasures-turning their travels into joyful adventures.
A gifted and joyful creator, Jackie enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching, crafting with loved ones, and playing the banjo. She was always up for travel and adventure, collecting both keepsakes and memories along the way. She was an enthusiastic member of HUGS, Red Hat Society, Oklahoma Army National Guard Family Readiness Groups, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and the Tinker Chapter of Federally Employed Women. She gave back to her community in countless ways, volunteering with Hope Chest OKC, the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner, and making blankets for the homeless and elderly.
Jackie is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Danna Maynard of Tuttle, Oklahoma; her sister, Jovonna Wise of Midwest City, Oklahoma; her sister-in-law, Freida Kreke of Edmond, Oklahoma; her son, Jeffrey Graves, and son-in-law, Kelly Guggenbiller of Indianapolis, Indiana; her daughter, Delphina Martinez and Junior Cortez of San Antonio, Texas; and her daughter, Emily Martinez-Knight, and son-in-law Zachary Knight of Piedmont, Oklahoma. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Elizabeth Jackson, Javon Lloyd, Jimmie Knight, Ryder Knight, and Emma Lou Knight, and great-grandmother to four beautiful great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her wonderful nephews, AJ Johns of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Wade and Carly Johns of Choctaw, Oklahoma.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gene Wilkinson, and her cherished parents, Bill and Wilma Maynard.