Janet K. Wilkinson

Janet K. Wilkinson, 84, South Whitley, entered the gates of Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021, from Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester, where she was a resident for the past 12 days.

She was born March 28, 1937, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Floyd and Inez (Growcock) Anderson. She grew up in Washington Twp., Whitley County and graduated from Washington Center High School in 1955.

On March 12, 1960, she married Carroll Wilkinson. They made their home in rural South Whitley. Carroll died March 24, 2002.

A full-time homemaker raising the couple’s five children, she also assisted on the farm. In 2002, she went to work for Farmers Mutual Insurance as an agent until her retirement in 2014.

A strong woman of faith, Janet belonged to the Collamer Christian Church. Throughout her life, she served in various Christian ministries. For over 25 years, she partnered with her husband, Carroll, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to hundreds of local children at a summer Bible school in their own home. She also taught Sunday School, led Bible Clubs at Pierceton Elementary School, and was a board member of the Child Evangelism Ministries of Pierceton, IN. She belonged to the Double Dozen Home Ec. Club, served at the Whitley County 4H fair, and frequently worked as an election official.

Annually, she grew a vegetable garden canning her produce for use throughout the year. When her grandchildren came along, they were her pride and joy, spending as much time as possible with them.

She is survived by her children: Gregg Wilkinson, Neil (Cynthia) Wilkinson, both of South Whitley; Rhonda (Todd) Helvey of Claypool; Steven Wilkinson of South Whitley; and Brad (Alysia) Wilkinson of Canton, N.C.; 11 grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb, Matthew, Jonathan, Seth, Jacob, Reagan, Landon, Ian, Braden & Hallie; and a sister, Shirley (Carl) Handshoe of Fort Wayne.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a brother, Gale Anderson, and two sisters, Maxine Manahan and June Marrs.

The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Collamer Christian Church or Lakeland Child Evangelism Ministries.