JoAnne M. Wilkinson

With family by her side, JoAnne M. Wilkinson quietly passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2023. For the last several years, she had been lovingly cared for by her family and a dedicated team of healthcare providers and other supporters.

Throughout her life, JoAnne was a nurturing person. Her profound empathy and gentle wisdom endeared her to many. She had an immense love for animals; she loved dogs more than people most days. Being with animals gave her incredible joy. JoAnne had a huge heart for anyone or anything that she felt others had discarded. So many of her animals had a handicap and she wanted them because she wanted them to know love. She also took in children who had no relation to her just so they could know love.

She was a supportive and nurturing mom to her four children, Thersa "Tracy" Patterson of Colorado Springs, CO, Bernard "Ben" Wilkinson and his wife, Edna of Fort Worth, TX, Claude Wilkinson and his wife, Kathena of Azle, TX, and Stacy Culver of Galveston, TX; and - much to her delight - grandmother to Lacey Wilkinson, Kandise Patterson, Cora Matthews, David Matthews, Leilani Wilkinson, Brianna Wilkinson, Joseph Wilkinson, Mercurion Wilkinson, Zadkiehl Wilkinson, and to many more cherished grandchildren; also to her great grandchildren, Amiee Matthews, James Matthews, Jessie Bagerly, Alan Patout, Maxwell Lee, Dexter Lee, and Valorie Matthews. JoAnne was also survived by her brother, Vincent Fox. She was predeceased by parents, Frank Fox and Mary (Wranek) Fox, to whom she was born on October 11, 1946, in Watertown, SD.

She graduated from high school and attended college for a short time before starting her family. They quickly became her priority. Among her many interests, JoAnne was passionate about baking - she wasn’t just a baker, but a skilled cake decorator. She employed those skills for all family occasions, birthdays, and in the food service industry. In her later years, she loved being in nature and taking time to share the beauty of the great outdoors with her family.

JoAnne lived her life with joy and compassion, and will be remembered by many as a mentor and confidante. The love she fostered will continue to be a guide and source of strength to those who knew her best.

A private, outdoor memorial service will be held to celebrate her life.