Wanda Joyce Jefferson

Wanda Joyce (Kilgore) Jefferson, 87, of Collinsville, Oklahoma, went to her eternal joy on February 15th, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Wanda was born into the Kilgore clan on December 6th, 1938 in Kiowa, Oklahoma, to Zeak and Ina (Sullivan) Kilgore. She was the fifth of six children, along with her brothers Reginald, Jack, Earl, Roy, and William. As a girl, she attended Kiowa schools, where she developed many life-long friendships.

Upon reaching maturity, she found her vocation in 1956 as an auditor for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she excelled in both her professional and personal relationships. During her career, she also represented Southwestern Bell in remote demonstrations of advancing technology, including nascent laser holography. Additionally, she played multiple positions for the company’s women’s basketball team. She retired in 1990 after more than three decades of distinguished service.

In her 22nd year, she welcomed the birth of her beloved daughter, Kathleen, who entered this world on February 29th, 1960.

She met the love of her life, George Jefferson, and they wed on April 19th, 1963. Together, they enjoyed more than six decades of companionship and warmth together. Their love for one another endured through many years in a changing world, and together they saw many corners of the globe. They also, among their many pastimes, were league bowlers, table game players, and gardeners. Additionally, they hand-constructed the lion’s share of their dream retirement home in Sulphur, where they resided for over 20 years before moving to be closer to their grandchildren near Owasso, remaining in Collinsville the rest of her life.

A devout woman of faith, she counted youth outreach, choir, senior adult ministries, and fellowship activities among her numerous contributions to the churches she called home. She was, among others, a member of Southwood Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, Regency Park Baptist Church of Moore, the First Baptist Church of Sulphur, and the First Baptist Church of Collinsville. At Regency Park, her and George’s committed care for the youth ministry led to them being referred to by the church’s young people as Aunt Wanda and Uncle George.

In her free time, Wanda enjoyed keeping her mind sharp with games and puzzles. She was gifted with a distinct and vibrant fashion sense and delighted in putting her best foot forward at social functions. She was also an avid reader, and it is rumored that she read all but two of the published Harlequin romance novels.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers.

She is survived by her devoted husband, George Jefferson, 89; her dear daughter, Kathleen Hope, 65; her loving grandchildren, Milena Hernandez, 23, and Gavin DeMoss, 29; and numerous extended loving family.

She will be remembered by her numerous friends and loved ones as a confident, accomplished woman, sincerely committed to her family and community. Her enjoyment of life, including the many places and experiences she shared with her loved ones, leaves a trove of memories of a life well-lived.

Donations in her memory can be mailed to the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home of Owasso at 12700 E. 76th St. North, Owasso, OK 74055, or sent to Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven of Collinsville (wardwiseman.com/donate).

Visitation will be 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home. The Family will be present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Rhodes officiating.

A private burial will take place at Darwin Cemetery.