Anna Montez Jinks Wilkinson, age 98, left this life to go to her Heavenly home with Jesus on May 20, 2019. Anna was born on July 3, 1920, to James Elliott Jinks and Bessie Lee Holden Jinks in New Salem, Indiana. Her siblings were Thelma Louise (Ralph) Knott from Georgetown, Ohio, Newell Edwin Jinks from New Salem, Indiana, a baby brother, Kenneth, who died in childbirth, and Dorothy Jane Jinks from New Salem, Indiana.
All of these relatives died before Anna. In addition to her parents, and siblings, Anna also lost her husband, Eddie; a son-in-law, Ellis Charles Jr.; and a grandson, Ben Wilkinson. Anna was a member of Little Flatrock Christian Church and was baptized at age fourteen.
She married William Edward (Eddie) Wilkinson on December 1, 1946. After their wedding, Eddie and Anna set up housekeeping in Harrisburg, just outside of Connersville, Indiana to start their new life and raise a family. They bought the Harrisburg Store, a small grocery and hard goods store, across the road from their house where Anna put in many hours purchasing, displaying, and selling goods to local customers.
Eddie added to the family income by working at the Connersville post office when he wasn’t helping with the store. They were married almost 53 years when Eddie passed away. It was in this store that Anna made such a positive influence on her neighbors, customers, salespeople, and even her five children.
Her gentle spirit and joy for living was evident to all and everyone enjoyed being around her. She never complained about the difficulties in her life. As her children became older, she would introduce them to hard work, punctuality, honesty, respect, and giving service to their community by adding them to the workforce at the store.
After work, Anna still had to be the best mother she could be at home. She cooked meals, cleaned house, helped her children with their homework, and made sure they had a lasting relationship with God by taking them to church every Sunday. During this time in her life, she received an invitation to go to an ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) meeting for women who were business professionals.
How she loved this group and the support she got from them. She received awards from ABWA including the Business Woman of the Year. After 32 years of serving the public, Eddie and Anna closed the Harrisburg Store in 1981 and retired.
An auction was held to sell the contents of the store. After Eddie passed away, Anna continued to serve her community through ABWA and her church, Central Christian Church, in Connersville, Indiana where she was a member. She taught Sunday school, led as an Elder, and participated in church fundraisers like the Calico Cupboard.
She lived in her own home until she was 90 years old. Then she lived for five years with her son, Paul, and his wife, Mary, near Lewisville, Indiana. After a debilitating stroke, she spent the rest of her days in Miller’s Merry Manor.
Survivors are her five children, Patricia Charles, Kenneth (Jane) Wilkinson, David Wilkinson, Paul (Mary) Wilkinson, and Don (Lisa) Wilkinson. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Bill Charles, Jim Charles, Darryl Charles, Jennifer (Jim) Tussey, John Charles, Greg (Missy) Wilkinson, Brad (Dena) Wilkinson, Doug (Tara) Wilkinson, Bob, (Hilary) Wilkinson, Maria Wilkinson, Zachary (Hannah) Wilkinson, Erin (Daniel) Mattayaws, Brent Wilkinson; granddaughter-in-law, Jen Wilkinson. Someone once said that grandchildren are God’s way of saying, “Well done with your children”.
Anna has 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Reverend James Orr will officiate.
Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Miller’s Merry Manor and Beth West, Anna’s Hospice nurse, for their excellent care. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Columbus, Indiana or Christian Student Foundation at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
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