Celinda Jean Wilkinson

Celinda Jean Wilkinson, 78, of Jackson, Mississippi, died December 28, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. A visitation for Celinda will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Celinda was born on December 15, 1946, to the late Lionel Dyar and Dorable Thames. She was a 1965 graduate of Provine High School, and then completed a business school certification. Celinda married the love of her life, M.R. “Shine” Wilkinson, on January 9, 1968. They had three children, and she became stepmother to two additional daughters.

Celinda was a devoted wife and mother, and a cherished friend. She was always encouraging and kind to others. She was a long time member of Oak Forest Baptist Church in Jackson, where she also taught in their preschool program for many years. Celinda was devout in her Christian faith, and attended Sunday School and church regularly until her health began to decline in the last couple of years. She worked 20 years in the Jackson Public School District as a Pre-K assistant teacher at Marshall Elementary. Celinda had a passion for helping teach small children, and took great pride in her job. She truly loved her job and all of her students at Marshall Elementary, and made many lasting friendships along the way. She was always very active in her children’s lives, and never missed a sporting event or school function. She loved to spend time with her family, reading, going to the beach, and had a big heart for all animals.

Celinda is preceded in death by her husband, M.R. “Shine” Wilkinson; son, Jason Hugh Wilkinson; father, Lionel Dyar; mother, Dorable Thames; and stepfather, Earl Thames.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Wilkinson (Lindy) of Clinton, MS; daughter, Emma May (Kiel) of Vicksburg, MS, brother Alfred “Jr.” Grantham (Becky) of Florence, MS; stepdaughters Susan Rocconi of Boyle, MS and Cheryl Moore of Harvest, AL; three grandchildren, Wellsley Wilkinson, Camille May, and Georgia May; three step-grandchildren, Dustin Moore, Jamie Bramuchi, and Jennifer Rocconi; and two great-grandchildren, Patrick Hayze Bramuchi and Lee Jacob Dowdy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mississippi Animal Rescue League and you may donate through their website at www.msarl.org.