We Love You Grandma Jean

Published in Salt Lake Tribune on November 18, 2009

Mabel Jean Hanks Wilkinson 2/11/1923 ~ 11/16/2009 Our sweet mom, Mabel Jean Hanks Wilkinson, passed peacefully away November 16, 2009 into the waiting arms of her Heavenly Father, surrounded by her family. Mabel Jean was born February 11, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Samuel Hanks and Mabel Whitney Hanks. She attended East High School and graduated from the University of Utah in 1944. Mabel Jean married Clayton F. Wilkinson in the Salt Lake Temple. Later divorced. Mabel Jean volunteered at Primary Childrens' Hospital, guided historical church tours at the Lion House, and served as a hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for many years. She taught school at Roslyn Heights, Emerson, and Bonneville Elementary Schools, finally retiring in 1986 after teaching 20 years in the Salt Lake School District. She was a significant, positive influence in the lives of the many children she taught. Her love of children endured all the days of her life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings including Primary,Relief Society and Young Women Presidencies. Her favorite calling was girls' camp director. She loved the young women, the outdoors, cooking around a campfire and sleeping under the stars. She had great faith, commitment, and deep affection for her Heavenly Father and Savior. One of the highlights of Jean's life was being called on a mission at the age of 63 toLondon, England, serving as mission secretary to President Ed J. Pinegar and President Blaine P. Jensen. Mabel Jean had the most tender heart and the sweetest soul. She loved music, art, and reading. She loved small animals, daisies, and the color blue. She loved the mountains of Utah and the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. Above all, she loved her family and theGospel of Jesus Christ. Mabel Jean is survived by her four children: Clayton Wilkinson (Sheralyn), Ann Coulam (Mike), Richard Wilkinson (Deana) and Thomas Wilkinson (Maureen) plus 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was a loving and adoring mother and grandmother. Her life was an example of kindness and compassion. Everyone who knew her was touched by her sweet spirit. God is with you, gentle heart, until we meet again. Greet her with loving arms, parents Sam and Mabel, and siblings, Ilene, Maurine, Beth and Whitney. Let Lindsay, your granddaughter, show you the majestic mountains of Heaven. Funeral services for Mabel will be held on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Monument Park 1st Ward Meeting House, 1005 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Family and friends may visit Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT and at the Church on Friday morning from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. prior to the services. Interment: Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Please send condolences to the family at www.larkinmortuary.com