Wilda Sharon McMurry

Wilda Sharon McMurry was born September 25, 1942, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Herman Isaac and Neva (Barnes) McMurry. She died at age 79 on February 7, 2022, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Wilda attended primary school for all 12 years at Prairie Grove. After graduating in 1960, she worked at Farmers and Merchants Bank, then moved onto a job in Fayetteville while putting herself through the University of Arkansas. After graduating in 1966 with a degree as a dietitian from the college of Agriculture & Home Economics, she moved North to work in Michigan for two national food companies. She met and married David Johnson in 1973. She also earned a Master of Science degree at Michigan State University and worked at a nationally renowned hospital in Detroit. The pair made Detroit their home and lived there until they retired. They each had a heart for rescuing animals, especially cats, who they loved and cared for dearly.

When she and David retired, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where David passed in 1998. In 2005, Wilda established the David E. Johnson and Wilda S. McMurry Honors College Fellowship and the David E. Johnson and Wilda S. McMurry Honors College Academy Scholarships at the University of Arkansas in his memory. The Fellowship and scholarships were to be used by students seeking degrees in the areas of applied science and mathematics.

Wilda returned to Northwest Arkansas in November 2018 to be near her family and for medical care, but she always considered Las Vegas, Nevada, to be her home. When she lived there, she enjoyed traveling, politics, and entertaining guests.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David E. Johnson; her parents; a brother, Michael Herman McMurry; two sisters, Letha Sharp and Avis Colleen McMurry Hellman; and a niece, Angela Scott.

She is survived by a sister, Nova Phillips (Paul) of Farmington; a brother, Leonard Patrick (Mac) McMurry (Glenda) of Prairie Grove; Brothers-in-Law, Lee Sharp and Gus Hellman, of Prairie Grove; Nieces, Dawn Schoeller, Trina Alaniz, Kelly Blundell, and Kerry Johnson; Nephews, Steven and Gary Sharp, and Ashley Phillips; and several grand nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her devoted companion, Celso Acosta, of Las Vegas, and his family.

The family would like to thank Brookstone Assisted Living, Prairie Grove Health and Rehab, and Willard Walker Hospice for their compassionate care during Wilda’s time in Northwest Arkansas.

There will be no services held. The family will host a celebration of Wilda’s life at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Paws and Claws Pet Shelter P. O. Box 364, Huntsville AR, 72740, or the charity of your choice.

Online guestbook: www.luginbuel.com