Jessie Wilkinson

Jessie Rose Wilkinson, 82, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2010 at MedCentral Mansfield after a short illness. Jessie was born in Marietta, on August 3, 1928 to Rodney and Mildred Napier Rose. She graduated from Marietta High School and furthered her education at Marietta College and later Bowling Green University where she earned her master's degree. Jessie started her teaching career at Marietta High School, moved to Canfield, and then to Clear Fork High School where she became principal and retired in 1989. Jessie met her husband, Bill at Marietta College and they were married in June 1950 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Jessie and Bill were lifetime members of Grace Episcopal Church. Together they liked to travel and play golf. They covered most of Canada, took one trip to Guatemala, and then spent several years in Florida. Jessie belonged to the Women's Club, the Alpha Xi Zee Delta Sorority, several bridge groups, and the Westbrook Country Club.

She is survived by her husband, William N. Wilkinson of Mansfield; sons, William JoAnna Wilkinson, Jr. of Kansas and Rodney Wilkinson of Mansfield; and grandson, James Wilkinson. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Mark Wilkinson and her brother, Richard Rose.

Friends may call Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. Services will be held Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 41 Bowman St., Mansfield conducted by Rev. Joe Ashby and assisted by Rector Emeritus David S. Sipes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Foundation.