February 7, 2007 Elaine Barton Wilkins passed away this morning. A memorial service, followed by a reception, was held at 1pm Saturday, February 10th, at First Presbyterian Church, 166 Poplar Memphis, 901-525-5619. Pictures from that event are shown below. Our sympathies go to the family and friends of this very good person.

ELAINE BARTON WILKINS, 61, of Memphis, died on February 7, 2007. She was a retired educator from the Memphis City and Olive Branch School Systems. As an active member of First Presbyterian Church, she was an avid member of the choir and was also a member of Memphis Symphony Chorus. She was passionate about her work with at-risk children and was a charter faculty member of the Ida B. Wells Academy. She is survived by four sons: John Norbert Wilkins, Jr., of Arlington, Homer Barton Wilkins, Alonzo Cox Stevens Wilkins, and David Orsborn Wilkins, all of Memphis; five grandchildren; her husband of many years John Norbert Wilkins, Sr., of Memphis; and a host of other loving family members and friends. The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, February 10 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Poplar and Third. There will be a private family interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by: High Point Funeral Chapel 901-454-5795 www.highpointchapel.com Published in The Commercial Appeal on 2/10/2007.

Please leave your comments at the bottom of this page.

Laura Spooner Stockhem
Elaine and I have been blessed in our lives by the marriage of Elaine's son Homer B.Wilkins (Bobby) to my daughter Lillie J Stockhem. The two presented us with the most adorable and loving granddaughters, Ginger and Jenna Wilkins. It grieves me mightly that my two grandaughters have lost their Grannie. Elaine has always been a rock of stength with a golden heart. She taught in the Memphis City School system for 30 years. She did not choose the easiest children or the smartest ones for her classes, she chose the strugglers and the hardest to deal with. She gave them hope in themselves, and the ability to see a brighter future. God makes us Angels on earth, when we enrich the lives of others. Elaine spent her whole life enriching the lives of others. I love you Elaine. Laura Spooner Stockhem lstockhem@yahoo.com

Paula Wicker Hamby pjhamby2@aol.com
Elaine Barton was our school sister, not only at Central High, but also she was with those of us who attended Peabody Elementary and Fairview Junior High as well. I am not surprised at all that Elaine chose to spend her life in education. She was quiet but always had such a sweet spirit. When we got to CHS, Elaine gave of her musical talents in the choir productions. What a treat! She had blossomed! It is amazing that the years do not erase the personal relationships we have enjoyed with someone special. For Elaine's family, I send my love and prayers for having known her.

Caroljean Towler (Carol Lewis) cjsunshine@earthlink.net
I am so very sorry to hear of Elaine's death at such an early age. Obviously, she truly was an inspiration and blessing in so many people's lives. She had so much to give and will be remembered by others for many years to come. God bless you and your family at this very difficult time in your lives.
Sincerely, Caroljean Towler (Carol Lewis)

It seems that CHS 1963 grads are passing away at an alarming rate. I remember Elaine very well from high school and from the 40th reunion. Such a sweet person. From the notes sent about her life in church, I trust she is at home with the Lord. My wife and I will pray for the family. In His grace, Rev Dr. Curtis Crenshaw, ThD

David Merriman 361-2221 dmerrima@midsouth.rr.com

"Elaine, when the trumpet sounds for me and as I enter the gates of Heaven, I'll be looking to see you there." I heard the sad news about Elaine Barton Saturday 2/10/07. For some reason I do not understand I felt something special. I remember talking to Elaine and David at the CHS reunion. David, I will say a special prayer at Church Sunday for you and your family. As our Warriors pass one by one, I cannot help but hope that those who go have their reservation made for Heaven through Jesus our Lord. Wouldn't it be "Great" to see all our class together in Heaven? Things change and time marches on. I wish we were all closer together.

Patricia Clements (Layton, UT) I am truly sorry for your loss. I attended school with Elaine from the first grade at Peabody, to Fairview, Central and Memphis State. She sang at my wedding and was married the following day to John. I attended their wedding with my husband Jim. The four of us went to New Orleans. I will never forget her vibrant personality.

Please leave your comments for this site at the bottom of this page.
To view Elaine's Guestbook at the Commercial Appeal, click here