Wilma Marie Gilliland

Wilma Marie Hickman was born on October 28, 1927 to Benjamin and Edna Hickman in Agra, OK. She was raised in Agra by Ben and Edna along with her three brothers and one sister Wilma was active In high school playing sports and other activities during the course of WWII. After the war she joined her brother in Stillwater to attend Oklahoma A&M College where she earned her degree in Business. Her time in college was extremely impressionable time that she loved to recount her many experiences during the heydays in post war Stillwater. Wilma and her brother John both graduated from now OSU while her other two brothers graduated from OU - a house divided. Her family was very close and her brothers were always looking out for her as they took good care helping to raise their baby sister. With three older brothers, this is where she first learned her love for sports. After college she went to work in Ponca City for Conoco rooming with her sister Helen during this time. She later moved to Tulsa and worked for Standard Oil. In Tulsa, a mutual friend introduced her to Joe Edward Gilliland, a Chemical Engineer from Texas Tech. Early in their courtship Wilma's position at Standard Oil was transferred to Houston. Joe continued the courtship long distance by traveling to Houston frequently on the weekends. Wilma and Joe got married and Wilma moved back to Tulsa. While in Tulsa, Joe got his Masters in Chemical Engineering at OSU and Wilma now had Joe hooked on the Cowboys. Their great passion for sports translated to be a long time season ticket holders for OSU Football and Basketball. The couple lived in Tulsa from their marriage in 1952 until 2016. During their time in Tulsa, they raised two children, daughter Jane and son Paul. Wilma was extremely active in many of their children's activities, helping as Troop Leader for Girl Scouts and Den Mom for Cub Scouts. Wilma did return to work once the children were older working at several insurance companies and eventually going to work for the Plant Manager at Thomas and Betts for over 10 years. At age 64, Wilma retired from T&B in 1991. After retirement, Wilma and Joe travelled greatly across the Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Joe was a reluctant flier so most of their trips were with the car and they made the most of that time on the road. Wilma was equally active in her grandchildren's activities attending concerts, sporting events and other activities. Wilma was a strong Christian and very involved in the church, often volunteering her time and working at the church. They were long time members of Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa. She was also a proud 30 year Cancer Survivor demonstrating her incredible determination that she applied to everything she did. Wilma is proceeded in death by Joe and her three brothers and sister but she is survived by her children Jane and Paul, as well as her grandchildren Amy, David, Taylor, and Alison.