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1929
2017
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.
Online condolences may be posted at warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Our family was so saddened to learn of Wilda's passing. The Lawhorns and the Brandenburgs have been dear friends dating back to Linda and Susan in kindergarten in Parsons -- 1958! We had many great times together over the years. Wilda's cooking was always a treat, from cole slaw to casseroles. I always enjoyed time with the Lawhorns, whether in Parsons, Newton, Kansas City, or the family's visit to California. Smiles, laughs, and stories were abundant with Wilda and Dabney. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dabney, Linda, David, and all of the family.
Love and hugs to you all,
Susan (Brandenburg) Roberts
Susan Roberts
November 27, 2017
May you find comfort and peace in your memories of your loved one. My the God of peace comfort you. Isaiah 61:1,2
November 4, 2017
To Dabney and your family: I was so sorry to read about Wilda's passing. God certainly blessed you and Wilda with many wonderful married years together. I remember when you rented our home in Oak Grove Park where you were working in the Turner Area. I know you will miss her so very much. I will be praying for you. God Bless your family. Love, Ethel Peugeot.
November 4, 2017
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