Alise Luana Wilkinson

Alise Luana (Shook) Wilkinson, 87, of Denton, Texas, and previously from Holiday Island, Arkansas, passed away on September 17, 2016. She was born on February 2, 1929, at home in Oklahoma. Alise attended the University of Arkansas, where she met her future husband, Mitch, at a Westminster social gathering. In 1952, she graduated from "The U of A" with a degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics at the high school level, where she was a favorite--earning the nick name "Teach." In 1955, she attended McCormick Theological Seminary and completed her Masters in Christian Education. In 1956, Mitch and Alise married, moved to Dallas, and made their home for over 30 years. Committed to lifelong learning, Alise attended Texas Woman's University. She completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy in 1976 and practiced for more than 20 years. Alise "retired" to Holiday Island, Arkansas, spending over 25 years making new friends, obtaining her Master Gardeners, learning, building and teaching the dulcimer, traveling the world with Mitch and creating folk art (paper cuttings, apple head dolls…) which she gave to friends and family. Committed to her faith, Alise remained actively involved in her church and renewed old and built new friendships. Alise had the gifts of cooking and hospitality and she loved people. She welcomed friends and acquaintances who didn't have family into her home during the holidays; or pretty much any time. Some special friends that impacted Alise's life were Marietta and Bill Morris, Vance and Nancy Vanderberg, Cindy, Cruz and so many others. Alise was preceded in death by her parents Nettie Clara (Cole) and Hugh Thomas Shook; her brother, Hugh Thomas Shook; and her nephew, Mark Shook. She is survived by her husband of more than 59 years, Mitchell Malloy Wilkinson; her daughter, Valorie Grace Wilkinson Frederico; her son, Theodore (Ted) Mitchell Wilkinson; sister-in-law, Wanda Shook; niece, Sherry Shook Barragan; and many great-nieces and nephews. Surviving his grandmother is Joseph Paul Frederico. Paul is Alise's beloved and only grandchild. She actively invested love, time, and support into his life. He will miss his "Granny" dearly. Visitation is planned for Thursday, September 22, 2016, 5-7 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Junction City, Arkansas. Services are scheduled for Friday, September 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Scotland Cemetery in Junction City, Arkansas and under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, El Dorado, Arkansas, memorial service in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, will be schedule for a later date. To honor Alise, please consider making a donation to First Presbyterian Church Eureka Springs, C/O Alise's Flower Garden Fund, P.O. 636, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 72632, and look for those that are alone and welcome them in. Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.