Shirley J. Wilkson

FARMINGTON Shirley Jeanette (Burgess) Wilkson of Farmington passed away peacefully on January 29, 2018 at the age of 82. She was born October 30, 1935 in Libertyville, Missouri to the late Frank Joseph and Leanna (Barnes) Burgess. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James E. (Jim) Wilkson in 2003; three sisters, Joann Burgess, Beverly LaBreyere, and Joyce Crossett and a brother, Joey Burgess.

Shirley attended Farmington High School and, later in life, Mineral Area College. She married Jim in 1957 and after living in several places in the early years of their marriage, settled in Farmington to raise their family. She worked as a teacher at Farmington Christian Academy and Head Start in Bonne Terre. A member of the First Freewill Baptist Church and a lifelong Christian, Shirley was a woman of strong faith who demonstrated her love for Christ through many loving words and deeds. She had a true servants heart and for many years had a monthly nursing home ministry. She enjoyed writing poetry for loved ones, traveling in the Rocky Mountain states, reading, annual road trips with her sisters, and spending time with her family. Family was of the utmost importance to Shirley. In life, and up to the moment of her passing, she was a woman of grace, courage and kindness.

Survivors include her two children, Jan E. Wilkson of Farmington and James D. (Jim) Wilkson, of Pinellas Park, Florida; sister Sharon Garrett, sister Linda Underwood and her husband Greg, a sister-in-law (like a sister) Janis Burgess; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Friends and family may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, February 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Brad LaBreyere officiating. Private interment will be held immediately following the funeral service at Parkview Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Samaritans Purse. View the tribute video and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, February 1, 2018 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, February 2, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Private Interment

Parkview Cemetery

Friday, February 2, 2018 11:00 AM Weber Road North Farmington, MO 63640 Directions