Molly Bess Wilcox

Molly Bess Wilcox went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. She was born on August 22, 1951, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Leon Edgar Robinson and Anna Marie Robinson (Gunn). Molly attended Antioch K-8 School and was the only member of its final graduating class. She later graduated from Dewey High School in 1969 before continuing her education at Northeastern State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1973. Through the efforts of her sister, Reta, who was working for the American Red Cross at the time, Molly was introduced to Joe Wilcox. The introduction proved to be a blessing, and Molly married the love of her life on August 6, 1977, at Bluestem Baptist Church in Dewey, Oklahoma. Together they built a loving home and family. On October 18, 1979, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Anna Alia Wilcox. Nearly six years later, they were blessed with a son, Joshua Kyle Wilcox. Molly devoted 32 years of her life to education, inspiring countless students through her teaching of Art and Home Economics. During her career, she taught in Garden City, Kansas; Tulsa Union; Sooner High School, Central Middle School and Madison Middle School in Bartlesville; and Dewey High School. She retired from Dewey High School in 2004. Molly found joy in sewing and quilting, cooking and baking, exercising, gardening, blackberry picking, mushroom hunting, and volunteering in the church nursery. While she enjoyed many hobbies and interests, nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Molly was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Anna Robinson; her sister, Reta Hughes; her brother-in-law, Jack Hughes; and her grandson, Jett Phillip Wilcox. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 49 years, Joe Wilcox, of rural Dewey; her daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Damon Gearing of Barnsdall; her son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Haley Wilcox of Bartlesville; and her brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Brenda Gunn of Wann. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Gavin, Tressie, and Sloan, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved "fur" grandbabies, Charley, Marlee, Benji, and Chloe. Molly will be remembered for her unwavering faith, caring heart, dedication to her family, and lasting impact on the many lives she touched as a wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend. Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Molly Bess Wilcox

August 22, 1951 - July 14, 2026