Gloria J. Wilkinson, 80, of De Soto died Feb. 20, 2018, at her home. Mrs. Wilkinson worked at Three Maples in De Soto, De Soto Drug and White-Rodgers in Affton. She was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in De Soto and enjoyed sewing, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Born March 19, 1937, in Valles Mines, she was the daughter of the late Marie (Maness) and Melvin “Doogie” Courtois Sr.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years: Al Bounie Wilkinson of De Soto, whom she married June 26, 1954, in De Soto; two children: Kay (Ed) Schutte of De Soto and Kerry Wilkinson of Farmington; three siblings: Larry Courtois of Lake of the Ozarks, Sally Swaringim of De Soto and Glenda (David) Maupin of De Soto; a half sister: Jane (Will) Harshaw Lindsey of De Soto; a sister-in-law: Pat Courtois of De Soto; four grandchildren: Andy (Shawna) Schutte, Dustin (Rachel) Schutte, Ginger Schutte and Kara Wilkinson; and 10 great-grandchildren: Kyla, Gavin, and Dylon Wilkinson, and Kelsey, Emily, Bethany, Trenton, Kashdon, Abby and Brexson Schutte.
She was preceded in death by a brother: Melvin “Bob” Courtois Jr.; a brother-in-law: Roy Swaringim; and a great-grandson: Kyler Schutte.
A funeral service was held Feb. 24 at First Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.