Joan Simpson Wilkerson

Joan was born June 18, 1938, in Ely, Nev., to parents Henry Simpson and Ina (Horton) Simpson. She was very proud to be the fourth generation in her family to be born in Nevada. She moved to Carson City in 1969 where she worked as a legal secretary for several state divisions as well as private law firms. When she retired, she took care of her grandchildren and then great grandchildren.

She volunteered at the FISH food pantry and took in countless stray animals. She was also coaching and volunteering for Special Olympics and served as its athletic director for several years. Later, she volunteered at a homeless shelter. She made a difference in many people's lives by making them feel respected and loved. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Shirley (Simpson) Rowan Clark and Henry Bruce Simpson; and her children Andre Quintero and Christina (Wilkerson) Cocking. She is survived by her children Michael Quintero (and his children Tristan Quintero and Brigette Quintero); Michele Quintero (and her children Amanda Brown and Elizabeth Quintero); Mark Wilkerson (and his son Kody Wilkerson); Matthew Wilkerson (and his children Salena Wilkerson, Rachel Wilkerson-Wentz, Henry Wilkerson and Maizie Wilkerson); grandchildren Ashley Cocking and Katie Cocking; and great grandchildren Andrea Manriquez, Elayna Quintero, Annabella Quintero, Damian Bittman, and Coraline Quintero. Joan is also survived by George Wilkerson, her husband of 55 years. Since their marriage on June 20, 1970, their home has been full of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a lot of laughter and love.

A funeral service will be held February 21st, 11:00am-1:00pm, at Fitzhenry's funeral home, located at 3945 Fairview Dr. in Carson City. The family kindly encourages those attending to wear colors other than black, as this was Joan’s least favorite color and she would have preferred a colorful celebration. To help us plan, we kindly ask that you RSVP at your earliest convenience to Elizabeth Quintero at 775-350-0232.