Wilda Jane McMahan Spillers' Obituary
Wilda Jane McMahan Spillers, 97, of Springdale, died peacefully Wednesday, September 22, 2021. She was born November 27, 1923, in Apache, Oklahoma, the daughter of Andrew Jackson McMahan and Florence Myers McMahan.
She grew up in Apache, feeling fortunate to live near all four grandparents. After earning an AA degree from Cameron Junior College, Lawton (now Cameron University), she married Bud Bryce Binning in 1944. They raised their two children in Midwest City and Tulsa. In 1973 Jane married G. C. Spillers, Jr.
Jane loved reading, especially 19th century novels, listening to music at full volume, and adding to her lifelong bird list. She and Cleve amassed an extensive collection of books and classical music LPs and nurtured a yard overflowing with trees and flowers. She also loved making things with her hands, from furniture and clothing to pottery and weavings. She was well known for her sense of color, design, and style.
She was active in the Women’s Day Alliance of All Souls Unitarian Church and was a member of many art museums and art, political groups, and nature organizations.
She is preceded in death by her parents, by sister Phyllis Jo Hoge, and by her two husbands.
She is survived by sister, Dee Sligar, Dallas, TX; daughter, Pam Pearce (Larry), Fayetteville, AR; son, J. Keith Binning, Springdale, AR; grandsons David L. Pearce (Melissa), Santa Fe, NM; John A. Pearce (Marica), Jericho, VT; and great-grandson Thomas W. Pearce, VT; and nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by stepson Robert H. Spillers (Diane), Rancho de Taos, NM; stepdaughter Leigh Tate, Galatia, IL; three step-grandchildren Hadley Hope, Carly Watson, and Kristin Cresswell; and two step-grandsons Keith and Alexander Watson.
The family thanks Burgundy Place (Tulsa) and Arkanshire (Springdale) for helping Jane through her last years with Parkinson’s disease. We especially send heartfelt gratitude to her many hardworking and thoughtful caregivers from NAPS, LLC and Good Shepherd In-Home Senior Care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gilcrease Museum, Public Broadcasting Service (OETA or AETN), All Souls Unitarian Church, or a charity of your choice.
A service at a later date will be announced. Cremation arrangements are by Moore’s Chapel.
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