Dr. Linda Ann Wilson

Dr. Linda Ann Wilson (Henshall), a lifelong resident of Collinsville, Oklahoma, passed away on April 12, 2026.

Born on April 3rd, Linda was a proud member of the Collinsville High School Class of 1970 and continued her education at Oklahoma State University, where she earned her master’s degree, principal and superintendent certifications, and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and remained a proud Cowgirl throughout her life. Her love for Oklahoma State was evident in her favorite color—orange—and her unwavering support as a devoted alumnus. Linda devoted over 40 years to education, first as an elementary school teacher and later as a college professor in early childhood education. Throughout her career, she taught in classrooms ranging from small rural schools to larger districts, worked with students of all abilities, and helped prepare hundreds of future teachers. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom as an international speaker on learning styles and as the author of two books, Teaching 201: Traveling Beyond the Basics and How Students Really Learn: Instructional Strategies That Work. Linda’s commitment to education was matched only by her deep love for her community. A passionate historian, she served as a Collinsville Historical Society historian and was actively involved in preserving the stories and heritage of her hometown. She was a member of the Collinsville Historical Preservation Committee and a dedicated advocate for protecting Collinsville’s rich history for future generations. A lifelong member of Meadowcreek United Methodist Church, Linda faithfully served in many roles and shared her gift of music by playing the piano and organ for worship, weddings, and funerals for many years. She was a member of United Women in Faith, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary (serving as chaplain), the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of War of 1812, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and the Home Representative Club. Linda was known for her energy, honesty, and unwavering dedication to others. A teacher at heart, she never missed an opportunity to encourage, guide, and uplift those around her. Whether in the classroom, her church, or the community, she poured herself into others often putting their needs before her own. As one friend shared, she “wore her heart out,” a reflection of the way she lived her life in service to others. Linda was a devoted wife to Allan Wilson, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. She was a loving mother to Scott and wife Britni Holden, and a caring stepmother to Matt and wife Brandan Wilson, and Heather and husband Scott Keding. She was a proud grandmother to Hailey, Gage, Xander, and Brayden, who brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her sister, Carol Mitchell; brother-in-law Grant and wife Cathy Wilson; niece Jeannie and husband Jeff Morrow, Callie Cope and Annie Tam; nephew Joel Mitchell; great-nieces Jenna Ramos and Allison Mitchell; and great-nephews Jacob Morrow, Jonah Morrow, and Caleb Mitchell; great-great nieces Maisie, and Shiloh; great-great nephew Asher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Ray “Blackie” and Peggy Lou (Morris) Henshall; her in-laws, Bill and Mary Wilson; and her brothers-in-law, Joe Mitchell and Billy Wilson. Visitation with family will be held on April 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place on April 25th at 11:00 a.m. Both will be held at Meadowcreek United Methodist Church in Collinsville, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Meadowcreek United Methodist Church Children and Youth Ministry (Gifts can be made online at https://giving.servantkeeper.com/Meadowcreekumc) or the Collinsville Historical Preservation Fund (checks can be made to the City of Collinsville with Linda’s name in the memo), both causes that were close to Linda’s heart. Linda’s legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the students she inspired, and the history she worked so passionately to preserve. She was welcomed into heaven with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

“The things you do for yourself are done when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” -Kalu Ndukwe Kalu