Jane B. Beland Wilkinson

Jane Wilkinson was born in Smithfield, NC, on February 12, 1928, to Mamie Lee Beland and Cooper L. Beland. She moved to Heaven at 5:30 AM on August 31, 2012, at 84 years of age. Her departure was just as she desired—at home with her beloved husband of 64 years, Gordon T. Wilkinson, at her side, along with daughter Katherine (Kay) Barecky, and granddaughters Tammy Kress and Jennifer Plant. Randy, their only son, recently spent time with Gordon and Jane, which they enjoyed thoroughly, and he is here now from Anchorage, Alaska. Jane is also survived by her brother, Cooper Jr. in NC, 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Jane and Gordon met while he was a handsome 23-year old Army soldier and she was a 21-year old nursing student. At that time, nursing students lived in a dorm next to the hospital in North Carolina, and the 3-year students were not allowed to stay in that nursing program if they married, so Gordon and Jane had to get special permission from a Board to marry before his impending deployment. They then moved to California where she began an intermittent nursing career which included working in hospitals in NC, CA, MD, TX and serving as a school nurse overseas.

While Gordon received promotions to the top rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, Jane was always his best friend, family social director, excellent homemaker, fellow Christian, and the one who brought music into the home with her beautiful piano playing and an ear for lovely music. She was attentive to her family and deeply cared for each person in her life. Kay remembers many late nights of Jane quietly ironing Gordon’s Army uniform and her nursing uniforms in her bedroom while the rest of the family nodded off to sleep. She had a pure conscience and could never keep even the smallest secret from Gordon.

In her youth, Jane had the shiniest, beautiful wavy dark brown hair, bright brown eyes, and a stunning smile. She was slim and petite, always dressed in good quality, classic styles, even in later years when a skin condition required that only cotton clothing could touch her skin.

Jane, Gordon, and children Randy and Kathy (now Kay), traveled extensively while stationed overseas and in the USA. The family grew close, with many happy memories of camping throughout Europe in their VW camper. Their favorite vacation spot was Disney World, which they visited many times, even once camping in their RV for two months outside Disney World.

Jane taught Sunday School, served as a Boy Scout den mother, and attended PWOC at Fort Sam Houston when possible. She enjoyed the Fort Sam Houston Post Chapel services and functions, and she and Gordon had many close friends there.

They had dogs throughout the years—most of them were named “Husky”. The last dog was a cute Sheltie which they had for many years. Their last two pets were cats—“Baby” adopted them, and they inherited “Toby” when Jennifer went off to college.

Jane used Godly wisdom that came from a mature, completely trusting faith in the Lord. She was very intelligent and had an excellent character. She was the kind of mother we wish everyone could have. Faithful, truthful, loving, kind, hard-working, always there to celebrate with or support each family member, including the 7 great grandchildren. She was instrumental in generously giving emotional, financial, and other types of support to family members who were in need at various times. She denied herself many things she could have had so that Gordon and Jane could live well and keep focused on the needs of their family and truly lasting and important things.

Jane lived life well. She was satisfied with a long life. She was ready to go. The family believes that Jane is loving Heaven’s music, enjoying reunions with family members and friends who preceded her to Heaven, and beginning to enjoy the many eternal rewards that have been stored up for her there.