Wilda Lou Lawhorn
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Wilda was born March 17, 1929 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the daughter of George Riley and Ruby Etta Presley.
She passed away the 28th of October, 2017.
She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years Dr. Charlton Dabney Lawhorn, two daughters, Linda Elizabeth Collins and Kathryn Rebecca Pinto of Overland Park, Kansas; two sons, Dr. Charlton David Lawhorn of Lawrence, Kansas and Col. Charles D. Lawhorn of Tampa, Florida; ten grandchildren; and one great grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, David Presley.
Most of her childhood Wilda was raised in Parsons, Kansas attending grade school and high school while her father worked at a major hub for the MK&T (Katy) Railroad. Wilda married the love of her life Dabney Lawhorn July 3, 1946 in Parson, KS. Wilda was a wonderful wife and mother spending most of her life raising her children. She was an accomplished cook and baker winning many awards. As a friend, you could not find a better one and her friends will miss her wit, laughter and ever present smile. Those who knew her best said she never met a stranger as all were drawn to her warmth and charm. She made a home for her husband and family in Austin Texas, El Dorado, Parsons, White City, Newton, and Kansas City as Dabney moved up in school administration positions, finally making their home in the Turner area. She and Dabney resided in Kansas City from 1965 to 2014 when they moved to Lawrence living with their son David and wife Stephanie until moving into a retirement community in Lawrence. Wilda was active in the church choir and a sought-after soloist with a pitch perfect operatic soprano voice. After her oldest children were grown and out of the home she began working at J.C Penney quickly moving into a management position. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and active all her life.
Wilda was loving and kind, always doing for others, supporting her husband and family all her life and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her especially her family and friends.
There will be no formal services for Wilda Lou Presley Lawhorn, 4401 Heritage Dr., Lawrence until her loving husband passes so that they can be honored together. Wilda’s wishes were that she be remembered as she was before her illness, full of life and love.
Inurnment will be held at Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My father also passed away this summer, and I can relate to this empty feeling of grief. I remember, above all else, Wilda’s gift of hospitality, and loving kindness. I spent countless hours in their home in KCK when I was in junior high and high school with Linda, one of my best friends. Their home was always filled with fun, laughter, food, card games, and lots of kids. I enjoyed hanging out there more than my own home because they made me feel like one of the family. Wilda consistently made time for me or anyone else who visited their home, she sat down and talked to all the kids, and was truly interested in our lives as teenagers. Loved her turned up smile and sweet heart!
I must add that her outreach to others during the short period of time that I knew her was beyond measure. Even though the years have separated our lives and events have taken us in different directions, I will never forget the fun and fellowship that I enjoyed in the Lawhorn home. My friendship with Linda was a special bond especially in high school when I needed a sister to just be there. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time and always. John 3:16
Dabney, on behalf of my late mother Edna Warren, Deb and I wanted to express our deepest saddness on Wilda’s passing. The times we would all share a meal at Brandon Woods over the years with mom especially on Sunday brunch was always a memorable time to visit. We knew how my Wilda meant to you and loved you and her visits with mom were special. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, I am sure she is already catching up with Edna. Again, Dabney we are truly sorry for your loss. John and Debra Warren.
Our deepest condolences to the Lawhorn family.
Katherine, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
May the nice memories bring you all great comfort.
Arvind and Allison da Costa
Our deepest condolences to the Lawhorn family.
Katherine, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
May the nice memories bring you all great comfort.
Arvind and Allison da Costa
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. We just lost our mother November 1. It is such a sad time to lose them no matter what age. I miss her everyday and I know you do also. I see how wonderful your mother must have been because you have many of her qualities. Thinking of you and praying for a peaceful heart. Take good care of yourself.
I was not aware of Aunt Wilda’s passing
Until I came upon this tribute in her memory.
I will always remember Aunt Wilda and Uncle Dabney singing together as they
Prepared Supper for us once when we
Were visiting them in Kansas City.
Aunt Wilda had the uncommon ability to
Show warmth and empower those within
Her presence . She was so uplifting
And kind. I wish the family well. And
I am sorry I did not respond sooner.
Much Blessings and Appreciation
For the memories of such a fine woman.
Cousin. Evely.