Virginia Bell Wilkins, 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 10, 2020 in Bartlett, Tennessee. She was born to Jewell and Elsie Bell on November 14, 1938 in Atoka, Tennessee, and grew up in Memphis. After graduation from Memphis Technical High School, she worked as a secretary, then office manager for an insurance agency. In the mid-1970’s, Virginia and her first husband moved to Dauphin Island where she was a homemaker. After her first husband’s death, Virginia married Rev. Wilkins in 1987, and supported him in his ministry at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Dauphin Island, as well as his other posts in the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.
Virginia loved to travel and she and her husband visited most of Europe, the Holy Land, and many places in the United States. She loved music, sang in the church choir, loved decorating, and was a great cook. Virginia was always a gracious, generous, and loving person who took the time and care to make every occasion special. She was devoted to her beloved Ellis, the Church, and her family, always.
Virginia was preceded in death by her first husband, James Anderson; second husband, Rev. Ellis Wilkins, Jr.; her parents; and one brother, Larry Bell.
She is survived by her sister, Tina Morgan; step-son, Richard Wilkins; step-daughter, Anita Wilkins; grandchildren, Don Saranthus and Laurel Phelps; two great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and many dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
St. Francis Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 407
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
