Ruby Wilkinson

Ruby Joyce "Nana" Hewston Wilkinson, age 79, beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend passed away November 15, 2012. The Celebration of her life will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Bill Gardner officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Carlowville Baptist Church Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, James Stanley "Whet" Wilkinson; son, James Stanley "Stan" Wilkinson, Jr; daughter, Melissa Wilkinson (Keith) Vancil of Senatobia, MS; daughter-in-law, Terri Wilkinson of Selma, AL; two very special sisters, Patsy H. (Phil) Tate and Lena Hewston Cook of Camden, AL; grandchildren, James Stanley (Keli) Wilkinson, III of Sardis, AL, Keith (Kristen) Vancil, Jr., Forrest Vancil and Hewston Vancil of Senatobia, MS; Hannah Wilkinson (Matt) Johnson of Andalusia, AL; Fletcher Wilkinson and Ethan Wilkinson of Selma, AL; eight great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild and a number of cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Emmett Hewston and her son, Emmett Hewston Wilkinson. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Tres Wilkinson, Keith Vancil, Forrest Vancil, Fletcher Wilkinson, Hewston Vancil and Ethan Wilkinson. Joyce was born in Selma, AL on February 14, 1933. She graduated from Carlowville High School in 1951 and attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery. She married James S. "Whet" Wilkinson on July 5, 1952. At the time of her death they had been married sixty years. She was a devoted wife and stay at home mom in the early years of her marriage. In 1966 she began working at the Alabama Sheriffs Boys Ranch and was employed there for thirty years. She was a loving and devoted grandmother and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored her and loved spending time with their "Nana". Her tireless dedication and selfless devotion to her family will be cherished forever. She was very active in Shiloh Baptist Church of Sardis. She served as Sunday School teacher; nursery worker and had recently started Children's Church. She also served as a member of the flower committee; WMU and hand bell choir. She worked at Vacation Bible School and went on two mission trips to Belize. She participated in numerous organizations and took great pride in being a Master Gardner. Joyce had a passion for growing beautiful flowers and her yard was a testament to her love for gardening. The family appreciates the many expressions of comfort, support and condolences that they have received. A special thanks to Princess Ann Smith and Mildred Calhoun for the wonderful care they provided for Joyce upon her return from Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Pilots for Christ, Inc., P. O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL, 36461 or contact 251-575-3200.