Wanda June "Kelley" Murchison

Funeral services for Wanda Kelley Murchison, 89, of Norman will be held at 11:00 am November 9 at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, officiated by Pastor Shyloe O’Neal. Burial will be held at 10:00 am November 10 at Clinton Cemetery under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home with Pastor Shyloe O’Neal officiating.

Wanda June Kelley was born on December 8, 1933, to Odus Albert Kelley and Hazel Etta Modelle (Boyer) Kelley in Stafford, Oklahoma and passed away November 4, 2023, in her Norman home with her daughters by her side.

Wanda was raised in Stafford and later moved to Clinton, Oklahoma. She attended Clinton High School and graduated in 1952. Wanda was a member of the International Order of Rainbow Girls, played basketball in high school, and was active at Custer Avenue Baptist Church.

In 1953, while working for Southwestern Bell, she met the love of her life, Shannon McShane Murchison. On January 16, 1954, Wanda and Shannon were married. The story as told by Wanda is Shannon saw her legs and said that is the woman I’m going to marry. They enjoyed almost 63 years of marriage.

Wanda and Shannon moved to Dallas, Texas to start their life together. In 1955, their family grew with the birth of Kelley Anne, and then Shannon Michael in 1958. Wanda was a stay-at-home Mom until both girls were in school in Richardson, Texas. With the girls in school, she pursued a career in insurance and then real estate. Wanda was the quintessential mother and wife, caring deeply for her daughters and husband and always doing whatever she could for them.

Wanda followed her beloved Shannon through many career changes, moving to Wichita, Kansas in 1969, to Plano, Texas in 1972, to London, England in 1975, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1979, and finally to Norman, Oklahoma in 1998 after Shannon’s retirement.

Each new location meant a new home to build, and she was so good at making sure it was a home. Wanda (and Shannon) made friends in each new location. She made people feel comfortable and welcome. Wanda loved entertaining and family time was special. Once settled in their Norman home, the Kelley family Christmas was always held at “Aunt Wanda’s”. With a crowd of typically 40-50 people, Christmas was a special time and Wanda loved it. Her signature gift for over 20 years was a Christmas ornament personalized with each family member name and the year.

Wanda and Shannon were very active in the Order of the Eastern Star starting in Richardson, and later in Wichita and Cedar Rapids. In Wichita, while active in Eastern Star, her passion was being the Mother Advisor for Rainbow Hope Assembly #14. She provided guidance and mentorship for young girls during her years as Mother Advisor.

Wanda and Shannon served together as Worthy Matron and Worth Patron of their treasured Eastern Star in Cedar Rapids (1982) and in Norman (2003). Wanda continued her service as Worthy Matron an additional two times in 2013 and 2020 for Norman chapter. Wanda was appointed as Grand Martha serving the Iowa Grand Chapter in 1998 and in 2008 serving the Oklahoma Grand Chapter. Wanda received her 50-year membership pin in 2013.

Wanda and Shannon enjoyed playing tennis and golf together and watching OU Football. Wanda had many opportunities to travel all over the world making fabulous memories that she loved remembering. She hosted many watch parties for OU Football.

Wanda enjoyed helping others. She was a member of the Brookhaven Garden Club, St. Lukes Auxiliary and volunteered at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and Norman Regional Hospital working in the gift shop and the reception desk.

Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband Shannon, parents Odus and Etta Kelley, one brother J.M. Kelley, Sisters-in-Law Martha Kelley, and Kathy Kelley, and one niece, Londi Coble.

She is survived by her daughters Kelley Murchison Taylor (David) and Shannon Murchison Decker (Joe). She is also survived by brothers Jack Kelley (Pat) and Gerald Kelley, and four grandchildren, Emma Leigh Decker, Andy Taylor, Allie Taylor and Annie Taylor. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Randy Kelley (Freida), Jody Serfoss (Rodney), Rodney Kelley (Cheryl), Kathy Lynne Kelley, Lori Lee Cathcart (Chris), Brian Kelley, Ryan Kelley (Kendra), Ashley Kelley, and Eric Kelley (Jessica). In addition, she is survived by many great nieces and nephews.

The family will greet guests from 6 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, November 8, at Tribute Memorial Care, 708 24th Ave NW #300, Norman, OK. The family will greet guests in Clinton at Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home on Thursday November 9, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Anyone wishing to make donations in Wanda’s name, please consider the Alzheimer’s Association in Oklahoma 6601 Broadway Ext Suite 120 Oklahoma City, OK 73116.