Mrs. W.W. Wilkinson Dies at Age 73

Lifetime Blairite, Nee May Pierce, Dead;

Episcopal Rites Held

One of Blair’s best-known residents, Mrs. W.W. Wilkinson of 105 East South St., who spent her entire life here, died Sunday morning at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha.

Mrs. Wilkinson, 73, the former May Pierce, had been ill the previous five weeks.

The body was returned to the Bendorf Funeral Home. Rites were held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, of which she was a lifetime member, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Francis C. Havill officiated, with interment in the Blair Cemetery

Born Here in 1880

As May Pierce, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Pierce, Mrs. Wilkinson was born here May 24, 1880. Except for 12 years spent on a farm south of Blair, she had always resided in this city.

A graduate of Blair High School, she and Mr. Wilkinson, who also was descended from early-day stock, being the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilkinson, were married at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church June 5, 1901. Officiating was Bishop A.L. Williams. In 1951 the Wilkinsons quietly noted their golden wedding anniversary.

Long Active Here

Mrs. Wilkinson was long active in Blair civic and social circles. At an early age she joined the Monday Afternoon Club. A member of the Nikumi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, she was the chapter’s regent for 25 years. She was prominent in Episcopal church activities.

Surviving Mrs. Wilkinson are her husband, Will; one son, Tom Wilkinson of south of Blair; and two daughters, Marjorie Metzinger of Lincoln and Mrs. Harold Schafers (Alice) of Gretna. Other survivors include seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a sister, Mrs. Cora Rothery of Omaha.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave #100884599