Obituaries

Ovnia Pauline "Patti" Wilkins

Photo of Ovnia Pauline "Patti" Wilkins
Ovnia Pauline "Patti" Wilkins, age 95, a resident of Springdale, Arkansas, departed this world on February 10, 2018, where she is finally "home." She was born July 29, 1922, in Hannah, Oklahoma, to James S. Pendley and Roxie M. (Millsap) Pendley. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Kenneth O. Wilkins; her sons, Kenneth James "Jim" Wilkins and John Oliver Wilkins; her son-in-law, David Fulfer; her granddaughter, Mindi Wright; her parents; her brother, J.R. Pendley; and her sister, Netia Guthrie. Patti was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 Woman—virtuous, creative, resourceful, and faithful. During World War II, she worked at McDonald-Douglass as an expeditor and drove a forklift. After the war, she met her one true love, Kenneth Wilkins. They were married April 8, 1950, and shared 67 happy years until Kenneth's death on December 18, 2017. If asked, Patti would say she was "just a housewife." But she was so much more. She helped Kenneth with his construction business by doing payroll and clerical duties. She was an amazing seamstress. She outfitted herself and her daughters. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she tailored coats, suits, robes, personalized towels, "blankies," costumes, doll clothes, and super hero capes. She also blessed many brides with brocade robes for their bridal showers. Even in her 90's, she made blankets and taggies for Loving Choices. She was also a dedicated driver for Meals on Wheels. Patti was an incredible baker. You could literally smell bread baking when you pulled into her driveway—homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, and pies. She loved gardening with Kenneth, and after he lost his vision, she continued until 2015, when she broke her hip. Ken and Patti were the "veggie fairies." They would stop by the homes of friends and families, and make deposits on the front porch. Patti was a member of Springdale First Assembly of God. She taught Sunday School, was active in Women's Ministries, hospital visitation outreach, and was passionate about missions. Possibly the best kept secret about Patti was that she played the mandolin. Patti was a woman of great faith, a true prayer warrior, and a dedicated student of the Bible. She fasted and prayed for her entire family and friends. She was a nurturer, and her family and friends were the recipients of her love and generosity. She cherished her family and was always delighted by the calls, cards, and visits of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But most of all, she adored her "darling," Kenneth. Their love story is an inspiration to us all. When Kenneth lost his vision, Patti devoted her life to caring for him. Although they were separated for a short time, they have had a glorious reunion. She is affectionately known as Mother, Grandma, and Nana. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Joy Wright and Jeanne Fulfer; her grandchildren, Chip Wright and his wife, LaVonda; Amy Jones and her husband, Mark; Kenny Wilkins; Colby Fulfer and his wife, Rachel; Derek Wright and his wife, Jessica; and Jennifer Taylor and her husband, Jeff; her great-grandchildren, Hunter Wright, Liem Taylor, Lyla Taylor, Hayden Wright, Graham Jones, Bella Jones, Abigail Fulfer, Faith Fulfer, Mallory Fulfer, and Khloe Wright; and three nieces, Loretta Devore, Bobbie Upton, and Debbie Guthrie. In accordance with Patti's wishes, her family will honor her in a private service at 2 p.m., February 16, 2018, at Westfield Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Bluff Cemetery, Springdale, Arkansas. Please share fond thoughts and memories of Patti on her memorial page at www.WestfieldChapel.com.

Published February 15, 2018

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