Jan Wilkerson, a dedicated educator, and passionate advocate for community service, departed this world on December 21, 2023, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, after a brief battle with Leukemia. Born on April 7, 1939, in Grady County, Oklahoma, she was the beloved daughter of Leonard and Virgie Williams of Cement, OK.

Jan devoted 30 years of her life to shaping young minds as a teacher of elementary science, reading, and gifted programs. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, leading her to Christian education at First United Methodist Church in Weatherford, OK, and later at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Muskogee, OK, after her retirement from teaching.

Passionate about public education, Jan was instrumental in developing the Odyssey of the Mind program in Carnegie Oklahoma Public Schools. She coached numerous teams and volunteered with the national organization as an officer and competition judge. Additionally, she played a key role in developing and maintaining St. Paul's summer reading program, Project Transformation.

Jan was a dedicated volunteer, most recently with programs of St. Paul United Methodist Church and as a short-term and long-term volunteer with the United Methodist Committee on Relief's Sager-Brown Depot providing disaster relief.

Jan was predeceased by her husband, James Robert Wilkerson. They met at Oklahoma City University, were married in 1958, and together they created a life filled with love and purpose. She is survived by her brother, Jerry (Vicki) Williams of Norman, OK, her son Mark (Traci) Wilkerson of Muskogee, OK, and her daughter Beth Acree of Tucson, AZ. Jan's legacy continues through her grandchildren: Chelsea Acree, Janet Acree, Parker Wilkerson, and Graci Wilkerson, as well as two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to:

UMCOR Sager-Brown

https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901515/

The Advance #901515

458 Ponce De Leon Ave, NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

Project Transformation

https://projecttransformation.org/oklahoma/get-involved/donate

1501 NW 24th St.

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Jan's impact on the lives of those she touched will be remembered fondly, and her spirit

of generosity and commitment to education and community service will continue to inspire us all. We will always carry her memory in our hearts.