Mary Bell Wilkinson

Mary Bell Wilkinson, age 90, of Columbus, Georgia passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2024, surrounded by her family. A visitation for the family and friends of Mary will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia, followed by a celebration of Mary's life at 11:00 AM.

Mary was born in Swainsboro, Georgia on February 1, 1934; the daughter of Melton (Sam) and Etta Mixon Wiggins. She and her family later moved to Columbus, Georgia. She became a licensed hairdresser at 18 and also spent time working with her parents in their grocery store, Wiggins Grocery.

Mary married Rex Wilkinson February 1, 1960, and they remained married until his passing on November 6, 2022. They moved to Port St. Joe, Florida in 1972 and, as her children got older, she went back to school. Mary graduated from Gulf Coast Community College as a Pharmacy Technician. She worked for Campbell’s Drug Store in Port St. Joe, Florida for 25 years until her retirement. During her time there, she affectionately came to be known as “Ms. Mary” to so very many who relied on her, especially for advice about their babies. Mary was a longtime member of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Port St. Joe. She served on many committees and was a devout member of the women’s group, The Order of the Daughters of the King. Her church family always anticipated enjoying her delicious banana pudding at their many gatherings.

Mary lived a life of service. Service to her family, her church, her friends, and those in need defined her. She was kind, had joy in her heart, and she always had a smile to share with others. She was intentionally honest in all that she did, never wanting even the appearance of taking advantage of anyone. Mary welcomed all that graced her home with open arms and an accepting heart.

Mary loved all animals, especially her dogs and cats that were part of her family through the years. She enjoyed traveling, including trips with family to Europe, Canada and many parts of the United States, celebrating holidays, and eating sweets whenever possible. Mary thoroughly enjoyed the many exciting adventures she shared with Rex on their sailboats over the years. She volunteered in her grandchildren’s classrooms and chaperoned many field trips. She was well known as and is still called “MaMa” by many of her grandchildren’s friends who came to know her over the years. Mary ensured the family spent time together, traveled to visit with one another, and built important family relationships. She greatly loved cooking and feeding her family, including lemon and buttermilk pies, Brunswick Stew, seafood, Chicken and Dumplings and, of course, banana pudding. Nothing compared to the love she had for her dear husband of 62 years, Rex, her children, and the many grand, great-grand and great-great grandchildren that came along. She may have been at her happiest when able to rock and sing to one of the babies while feeding them a bottle.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Carlton Wilkinson; her son, Elvin Montney; her father, Melton (Sam) Wiggins and her mother, Etta Mixon Wiggins.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Arleta Montney Hamel (Yves) and Delores Wilkinson Windolf (Reinhard); her sons, Stanley Montney, Carlton Wilkinson (Renee), and Andy Wilkinson (Tonya); her brother, Eddie Wiggins (Sharon); her grandchildren, Scott, Lisa, Shelby, Sabrina, Jennifer, Leslie, Laurie, Brandon, Amber, Ashby, Nicole, Carly, Megan, Trey, Andrew, Alyssa; her great-children; great-great grandchildren; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to: St. Joseph Bay Humane Society, 1007 Tenth Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456¸ https://www.sjbhumanesociety.org/