Mary JoAnn Wilkinson, 89, of Smithville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
She was born March 15, 1935, in Imboden, AR, to Washington and Ruth (Abee) Goff. She was preceded in death by her parents, her 4 brothers and 3 sisters, her husband Emery Brown, Jr., and her husband Vernon Lee Wilkinson.
Mary grew up in Biggers, AR, and then in Pontiac, MI. She worked in the meat department of various supermarkets, and later as a property manager and owner/operator of a janitorial business. She and Lee retired to a farm in Smithville. She was saved and baptized at age 10, taught junior-age girls Sunday School for many years, and was known for her godly wisdom and tender, loving grace.
She is survived by her daughter Denise (Dana) Lane of Flint, MI; three sons: Paul (Debbie) Brown of Smithville, Timothy (Laurie) Brown of Flint, MI, and Darrin (Beth) Brown of Estherville, IA; a step-daughter Tracy (Heather) Wilkinson of Coppell, TX; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mary was a member of Saffell Missionary Baptist Church, 467 AR-25, Saffell, AR, where a visitation will take place on Monday, December 2 at 10:00 am, with a service to follow at 11:00 am. Pastor David Hardin will be officiating. Burial will be at the Bratcher Cemetery in Smithville. Bryan Funeral Home of Hoxie is handling the arrangements.
