Olena Pearl Wilkinson

Olena Wilkinson passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Hayward, California.

She was born April 19, 1932 in Wapanucka, Oklahoma to Burley and Pearl Ralls.

Olena graduated from Tushka HIgh School in 1949. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma.

Olena was an educator her entire professional life. She taught 2nd through 6th grade in her early career in Oklahoma. The family spent 5 years in New Mexico where she began her love for 3rd graders. Upon moving to Hanford, California in August 1963, Olena taught 3rd grade for 29 years at Lincoln Elementary in the Hanford Elementary School District

Olena married her loving husband, Gerald Wilkinson in Sherman, Texas on December 31, 1948, They enjoyed 72 wonderful years together.

Olena was a lifelong woman of God. She served as faithful pastor’s wife in Oklahoma and at the Stratford Baptist Church, retiring in 1993. She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Hanford.

Olena enjoyed music, piano and singing some of her favorites. She was a founding member of the Gloryland Music Group , ministering in local convalescent homes. Olena and Gerald enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri to see their favorite Country Music performers.

Olena is survived by her children; daughter, Alicia and Chris Simoni; their children Eric and Carey Simoni, Letitia and Brett Zugnoni, Tina and Nick Nobreiga; daughter Kathy and Lee Barcellos; their children, Heather Barcellos , Brett and Andrea Barcellos; son Glendel Wilkinson; son Jason and Karen Wilkinson; their children Grant Lawrence, Lacey Lawrence, Beau Wilkinson, Sydney Wilkinson. She is survived by 15 great grandchildren; sister, Bonita Jones, brother Leon Ralls of Oklahoma and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gerald; parents, Burley and Pearl Ralls; Sister, Doris Jean Cochran; brothers, GW Ralls, Wayne Ralls, of Oklahoma.

Olena had a long life well lived. She was a most beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter and sister. Her extended family cherished her. She is now in the arms of the Lord glowing in His Love. Rest in Peace, Mom

Visitation will be Wednesday April 23, 4-6 PM at Peoples Funeral Home in Hanford, Graveside services will take place Thursday, April 24, 10 AM at Hanford Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 AM at the First Southern Baptist Church, 1207 N. 11th Avenue, Hanford,

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the First Southern Baptist Church Hanford, the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.