Mira Loma – Betty Jeanne Wilkinson, 93, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Eastvale Manor Assisted Living. Born June 2, 1926, in Los Angeles, as a 4th generation Californian to William and Alice (Banasco) Lewis.
Betty was married to James J. Wilkinson on Dec. 10, 1949 in Pasadena and there, she began her career in Politics, fighting busing. In 1968 she and her family moved to Riverside where she became a prominent member of the Republican Party, she ran the Riverside county republican headquarters and was a 4-time delegate to the Republican National Convention, representing Riverside and San Diego Counties, in 1976, 1980, 1984 and 1992.
About 1992 she was appointed by then Governor Pete Wilson and later by Governor George Deukmejian to be a member of various oversite committees. She retired from political life in Lake San Marcos, CA. In 2013 she moved back to Riverside to be near her family.
Mrs. Wilkinson is survived by her beloved sons, Evan and Jay; 2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters; 7 great grandchildren and her beloved sister Mary. She was predeceased by her husband and parents.
A private graveside service and interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery. Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Wilkinson family.
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