Mary Carolyn Wilkins (née Williams) passed away at Cornerstone Hospital in Conroe, Texas on January 4, 2019.

Mary Carolyn Williams was born on June 17, 1937 in El Dorado, Kansas to Greer and Ida Williams. Greer was a watch repairman, and Ida was the first female pharmacist in the state of Oklahoma. Mary grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Ponca City High School in 1955. She was editor of the school newspaper, "The Poncan" and was involved in the drama department. Upon graduation, Mary matriculated at Central State College, in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she majored in Business. While at Central State, she joined the band for a semester, where she attempted to play saxophone. The attempt was not successful. Instead, she joined the theater department, where she performed the role of 'Puck" in the Shakespeare play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. While in Edmond, she met Jody Smith, whom she married in 1960. After moving to Bethany, Oklahoma, their first child, a boy named Jay was born in 1963. He was soon followed in 1965 by a girl, named Rebecca. During this time, Mary worked for the Kerr-McGee Oil Company in Oklahoma City. Mary and Jody's marriage ended in 1974. In 1975, Mary, Jay and Becky moved to Tulsa, where Mary began work at Williams Exploration Company as a Division Order Analyst. In 1976, Mary married Verdell Sexton a former television producer for the Tulsa ABC affiliate. In 1977, Mary, Verdell, Becky and Jay moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Sadly, Verdell passed away in 1978. In 1980, Mary, Jay and Becky moved to Houston, Texas, where Mary went to work for American Natural Resources as a Lease Records analyst. In 1981, Mary married John Wilkins. They were married for 37 wonderful years. Eventually, American Natural Resources was purchased by Coastal Oil & Gas company, where Mary became the Supervisor of Lease Records. Mary retired from Coastal in 2000. When John retired, the couple moved to a small community in Willis, Texas, where they could enjoy 'lake life' with their boat on Lake Conroe.

Mary loved to read, devouring the works of Stephen King, and many other murder-mystery authors. She loved music, playing piano, singing in the Glee Club in high school, and the church choir. She was a wonderful cook. She loved being with John; whether watching the Astros or traveling to see her children and grandchildren. John was her anchor, and the love of her life. She loved her grandchildren dearly, treated John's children and grandchildren with equal love and attention. Though diminutive in stature, Mary had a strong will and loved deeply. Her perseverance in difficult times was one of her primary strengths.

Mary was preceded in death by her father Greer, her mother, Ida, and her brother Boyce.

Mary is survived by John Wilkins, her husband of 37 years; her son Jay and his wife Melissa; her daughter Becky Roley and her husband, Steve; her son-in-law Tracy Leatherman and his wife, Teri; Susan Lucas, Steven Wilkins, and Stacie O'Meilia and her husband, John. She is survived by her grandchildren; Catherine Smith-Cox (Johnathan), Hannah Smith, Samantha Coles (Samuel); Jaqueline Kulka; Preston, Peyton (Aubrey), and Paxton Leatherman; Tiffany Rutter (Matt), Tristan Roley (Chelsee); Riley and Conner Wilkins; and Grady and Catherine O'Meilia. Additionally, she is survived by three great-grandchildren, Keegan and Kinsleigh Rutter and Annistyn Roley; and her nephew, James L. Williams, and niece, Terrie Lea Williams.

Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Tuesday, January 8, 2019 and funeral services at 10am Wednesday, January 9, 2019, both at Klein Funeral Home in Tomball, Texas. Burial will follow at Klein Memorial Park on State Highway 249, north of Tomball.