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Laura Ann Wilkins, (Ann) passed from this life on Thursday June 16, surrounded by family in her home from Parkinson’s. She was born on December 28, 1949, in Albany, Oklahoma, to Troy Kimble and Betty V. Tigner (Pierce).
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles Tigner, Denison, TX and Wayne Tigner, Paola, Kansas and sister Joy Mae Varner of Mead, Ok.
Ann is survived by her husband Dr. Leonard (Doc) Wilkins, their four children Lacy Van Meter, Tim Van Meter of Durant, Lori Howard (Tuffy) and Jason Wilkins both of Tahlequah; grandchildren Stella Caskey and Jonah Van Meter of Milburn, C.J. and Jessica Howard of Broken Arrow and Jack and Audie Howard of Hulbert and three great grandchildren Conner, MaKensie and Reese. Also surviving are sister Mary Ownby (Floyd) of South Carolina and brother Joe Tigner of Olathe, Kansas as well as many loved nieces, nephews and very special friends, and best dog ever, Gus.
Ann attended Southeastern State University where she earned her Master of Business Administration and a Master of Administrative Studies. In Durant, Ann was the Human, Resources Coordinator for Staff One, Inc., Director of the Alumni Foundation and Executive Secretary of the University Foundation at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
In 1995, Ann moved from Durant and was a Shelter Insurance Agent in Muskogee and then began a long career working 27 years as a Mediator for the Oklahoma Supreme court in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. She served the Kiwanis Texas-Oklahoma District as Lt. Governor and Governor and President of the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to The Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah or The Thompson House.
A funeral service was at 2 p.m. June 21, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Tahlequah. Interment was on June 22 at Bokchito Cemetery, Bokchito, Oklahoma.
Arrangements were under the direction of Green Country Funeral Home in Tahlequah.