Mary M. Wilkinson, 85, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away December 17, 2024, at Wabash General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Services will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Short-Cunningham Funeral Home with Perry Case officiating. A burial will be held at Friendsville Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the service or can be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com.

Mary was born to the late Harold and Esther Turnbloom on January 8, 1939, in Spurgeon, Indiana. She married John R. Wilkinson on August 31, 1963, and to this union, 5 beautiful children were born: Gregory Allen (Connie) Wilkinson, Jimmy Wilkinson, Tira Sue (David) Fields, Theresa Joanne (Brett) Bradley, Madora Ellen (Greg) Edwards, Bobby Wilkinson, and Melinda “Mindy” Moore.

Also surviving are siblings: Bernie (Dee) Turnbloom, Patrick (Nanette) Turnbloom, Christina Kay Bennett, Shirley Ann Whittes, Sherrie Goetze, sister-in-law Connie (Doyle) Bradley and Marsha Wilkinson, brother-in-law Ronnie Wilkinson, 28 grandchildren with a new one arriving in May, 58 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mary in death are her parents; husband, John R. Wilkinson; infant son Bobby; daughter Melinda “Mindy” Moore; infant great-granddaughter Reagan, sisters Elaine Chapman and Jane Willis; brothers-in-law Bill, Cecil, Tom Wilkinson; and sister-in-law Janet Wilkinson.

Mary was of the Catholic faith and was a homemaker having previously worked at Ary-way (Target), Computer Avionics, Meisners, and Marathon Convenience store where she made the best fried chicken and potato wedges. She owned and operated a small restaurant in Allendale for a few years and made many great friends there.

She loved nature and watching the hummingbirds come each spring, along with all the beautiful birds that filled the yard eating from all the feeders she provided.

Mary took special trips later in life; one to San Diego to visit her grandson in the Marines and was also able to visit her brother, Pat, who lived there. Her second favorite trip was to Orange Beach, Alabama. She loved sitting on the balcony watching the dolphins and ships sailing by. Mary also loved her trips to Georgia to see Ellen and Erika.

She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mary always opened her heart and her home to anyone that needed a place to stay. She would have given her last dollar to anyone that needed it and had a special bond with so many people and was so deeply loved.

Condolences may be sent to www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Mary’s family.