Nellie Zane Wilkinson

Nellie Zane Wynne Wilkinson, age 88, a resident of Rankin County, passed away peacefully, in her sleep on November 12th. Nellie was born at her grandmother’s home in Richland, MS. She graduated from Florence High School where she met the love of her life, M.G. ’Joe’ Wilkinson. Nellie and Joe were married 68 years at the time of his death. Together, and sometimes with family and friends, they traveled all over the US, but she always said coming home was her favorite part. More than anything in the world she loved taking care of her family, being outside in the yard and garden, and reading. She was always reading through the Christian book section at the library. She read the entire Bible every year for at least the past 30 years. She attended First Baptist Church of Richland her whole life where she was baptized in her youth. Nellie was an amazing cook and enjoyed cooking Sunday lunch for her whole family, who equally enjoyed getting together to eat and fellowship as often as possible. Above all else, she loved God with all of her heart and spent a life loving and serving others in a way which directly reflected that.

Nellie is preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm Grover ‘Joe’ Wilkinson, her parents, Werner Eddie and Opal Joyce Wynne, and her brother, Eddie Lee Wynne. 

She is survived by her daughter Pam Malley (Mark), son Eddie Wilkinson (Leann), daughter Lisa Smith (Neal). Grandchildren: Joseph Heflin, Eddie Lee Wilkinson (Ashley), Jacob Wilkinson (Patty), Sarah Malley Hayes (Zach), Sally Smith, and Molly Smith Shook (Mason). Great-grandchildren: Jessie Heflin, Josh Heflin (Jordan), Jeremy Heflin, and Ellyanna Wilkinson. Siblings: Jack and Cathy Wynne, Randy and Sandra Wynne Ashley, Robert and Grace Wynne. In-Laws: Bobby and Cindy Wilkinson, Rex Wilkinson, Deloris Foshee, Linda Barnett, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17th at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence from 12:00 until 2:00, with a service following at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Batson Children’s Hospital.