Frances Engle Wilson at the age of 101, passed peacefully and joined the Lord on November 4, 2023. She was born the only cherished child of Frank & Gladys Engle in El Reno, OK, on July 31, 1922. She was a very special lady well ahead of her time and after graduating from Central High School in Tulsa, attended the University of Oklahoma, graduated from University of Iowa in broadcast and mass media along with creative writing. She was a pioneer in broadcast media, where she loved producing and performing on live radio shows along with being active in the performing arts. She worked at the university's radio station WSUI and was a cast member in their series of radio plays. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at both Universities.
During those years, she met the love of her life Thomas Douglas Wilson. They were married on June 20, 1942, in the Chapel of the Naval Academy upon Tommy's graduation. The day following, he was given his orders to begin his tour of duty in World War Il, where he served in the Pacific theatre. During the war while Tommy was away, she resumed her broadcasting work with KTUL Radio in Tulsa as a special feature announcer, movie news reporter and commercial announcer for the Patti Page Hour Show. Upon Tommy's return from the war, they made their home in Tulsa, where they raised two children, son Doug and daughter Pamela.
Frances had many interests and hobbies. She was happy and gregarious and particularly enjoyed entertaining friends in her home. During this time, she turned her attention and talents to her writing. She was first published in Guidepost in the late 1970's with her first "clean" romance Short Stories and a condensed version was also published in Good House Keeping. Over the years, she went on to write twenty-two published romance novels, all of which were beautiful love stories. She and Tommy were founding members of John Knox Presbyterian church in Tulsa, where they were active members through the years. She was also an active member of the DX Chapter of P.E.O., Tulsa Tuesday Writers, Oklahoma Writer Federation and Writing critique groups.
She was a caring and giving soul and she made numerous donations and gifts to many charities. Her and Tommy's favorite were the University of the Ozarks and their church. It was one of her greatest pleasures knowing that her gifts would honor Tommy and help shape young minds with a Christian education in higher learner. It was a true treasure of hers, whether through the University or their church, to touch so many lives, most of whom she never knew.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son Thomas Douglas Wilson Il. She is survived by her daughter: Pamela Wilson Massey, Los Alamos, NM., Her daughter in law Renee Wilson, Grove, OK, Grandchildren: Thomas Wilson Ill, Randy and wife Becky Wilson, Great Grandchildren, Hope and Blake Wilson: Niece, Martha Wilson Arrington, Powder Springs, GA Great Nephew: James Arrington, Powder Springs, GA
Service will be held at Moore Funeral Home Southlawn Chapel 9350 East 51st Tulsa, OK 74145 on Friday November 17, 2023 at 10:00 am followed by her Entombment. Visitation is Thursday November 16, 2023, from 12:00 noon till 8 pm at Southlawn. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: The University of the Ozarks 415 N College Avenue Clarksville, AR 72830-2880 (479)979-1380 or John Knox Presbyterian Church 2929 East 31 Street Tulsa, OK 74105 (918)742-5528. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com