MARGERY ANN LONG WILSON was born on June 1, 1929 to Ralph H. and Nellie Diemer Long in Springfield, MO. She passed away on July 3, 2016. She was married to J. Randolph Wilson on June 9, 1951. They celebrated both of their birthdays and 65th wedding anniversary together in June.
Margery attended Greenwood Laboratory School starting in kindergarten and graduating as co-salutatorian in 1946. She shared this honor with her lifelong friend, Cathryn (Kitty) Cox Lipscomb. She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Drury College. She wore Randy’s Sigma Nu pin for all four years there, then married shortly after her graduation. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Mortar Board, a varsity cheer leader, and Drury Auxiliary Board member. She was an active member of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, serving as a Stephen Minister, Bible Study leader, and Sunday School teacher. For many years she prepared the Bread for Communion in her kitchen at home.
She was a life member of the Cox Hospital Auxiliary, the Twentieth Century Art Group, and Hickory Hills Country Club. She was of member of the first Provisional Group of the Community Service League (now Junior League of Springfield).
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ralph Diemer Long and William H. Long, and her sister-in-law, Patsy S. Long. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Jan Baumgartner and husband Gary, Cathy Van Landuyt and husband Randy, grandson Ben Wilson Van Landuyt, cousin Harry Baker, niece Caryn Long, and nephew Congressman Billy Long.
Margery enjoyed her life filled with family, many long and enduring friendships, church, Bible Study, home, cooking, entertaining, flowers, gardening, needlework, antiques, art, music, and traveling. She loved meeting her friends at Bridge Club, Supper Club, and Saturday lunches with the “cools”. The family deeply appreciates the loving care and companionship provided by Debbie Williams for the last two years, as well as the wonderful support of Barbara Burk, Linda Baker, and Katy Porter. The staffs of Quail Creek Assisted Living and Good Shepherd Hospice provided compassionate care and comfort for Margery at the end of her life.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, led by Dr. Andrew Chaney. A reception will follow in the church atrium.