Betty Ann Wilkins Wilson

Mrs. Betty Ann Wilkins Wilson of Atlanta, GA passed away on March 9, 2020 after a long battle with Dementia. She died peacefully exactly one week after her 87th birthday. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Joseph Farr "Jeff" Wilson, Jr. (M.Sgt. USMC Ret.), her parents, Leonard Thaddeus Adam Wilkins, Sr. and Rena Ovell Tullis Wilkins, brothers Leonard T.A. "Jr." Wilkins, Jr., Charles J. Wilkins, M. Eugene "Gene" Wilkins and niece Sheila Wilkins Cortez. She is survived by her children Rhys Wilson and his wife Carolyn of Atlanta, GA, Valerie Stanley and her husband James of Charlotte, NC, two grandchildren Allison Wilson of San Diego, CA and Emma Wilson of Seattle, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. Born at Grady Hospital, she was raised on a working farm in College Park, GA and learned early on the importance of self-sufficiency, honesty, respect, hard work and was one of those sassy Southern women. As a student at Campbell High, she was on the honor roll, was the Secretary for the Beta Club, played Guard on the Ladies Basketball Team and was selected for the Georgia All-State Ladies Basketball Team. Her love for sports led her to becoming an avid bowler, competing in City, State and National Women’s Bowling Tournaments throughout her life (high game of 255), along with watching college/pro basketball and football (she loved to dance at the Falcons games that she attended) and she was one of the BIGGEST Atlanta Braves fans ever! Upon graduating from Campbell High, she married Jeff Wilson, a young Marine, and embarked with him for her first of two stints in Southern California, where she learned the joys of Mexican food. A wonderful cook, she developed her own recipes for chili and enchiladas, which she often fixed (by the gallons and the hundreds) for USO functions. She approached everything in life with a fierce passion, was confident, strong, oh-so-funny and super-smart! Outgoing by nature, Betty never met a stranger and she cherished spending time entertaining family and friends. At just 4 years of age, she starting singing gospel and continued singing whenever possible. She also loved to sew, dance and enjoyed arts and crafts. Her travels as a military wife also took her to Cherry Point, NC and Albany, GA, where she raised her children, was a Civil Service employee for 30 years as the Head Bookkeeper for the Club systems at the Marine Corps Logistics Base and served as an officer of the Staff NCO Wives Club, the PTA, Band Parents Association and several bowling leagues. In 1996, she and Jeff made the difficult decision to leave Albany and move to Austell, GA to be closer to their grown children and grandchildren. Most important to her was her family and her many dear friends. She will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at The Pearl, Fort Mill, SC, the nurses, physicians and staff from Hospice Care of South Carolina and the team at Palmetto Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Mill, SC for their unwavering compassionate and supportive care that was provided. Their kindness will never be forgotten. The family will honor Betty with a Celebration of Life and anyone wishing to share your thoughts about Betty may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/) and/or The American Brain Society (https://americanbrainsociety.org/).

Betty Ann Wilkins Wilson

March 2, 1933 - March 9, 2020