Catherine Peek Wilkie

Mary Catherine Peek Wilkie, known as “Kaky”, entered heaven on May 30, 2023 at age 92. Her big blue eyes, big personality and big heart will be missed and forever cherished.

Kaky was born January 17, 1931 at home in the city of Atlanta – a city kept close to her heart. She grew up in Clarkston, Ga. graduating from Clarkston High School in 1949. Short in stature, Kaky was successful in big things – she played basketball, cheered and was active in both BETA and FHA clubs and the debate team. She was voted “Most Popular” and “Best All Around” by her senior class. She would lean into those titles for the rest of her days.

Kaky’s first job was at Southeast Ford Tractor Company where she met James Ray (Jim) Wilkie. After Jim’s service in WWII and graduation from the University of Georgia, they were married in 1952. Together they embarked on a lifelong journey of raising a family, business ventures, entertaining and countless moving adventures. Kaky’s big personality helped to create lasting friendships each step along the way.

During this time, Kaky and Jim had three children and lived in Montgomery, Alabama, Elberton, Dublin and Stone Mountain, Ga. In 1987, they began their first phase of retirement in Monroe Ga. where Kaky experienced farm living for the first time. But it was in 2000 that her big blue eyes really lit up when she and Jim eventually landed in the Jacksonville/Fleming Island, Florida area. She loved the water and was always blessed with gorgeous views throughout her final years.

Kaky’s big heart was evident in her everyday life. Whether she was serving as the President of her Fleming Island Seagrass community, decorating her home with carefully curated antiques, cooking for family and friends, cheering on the UGA Bulldogs, or sharing clippings from her many garden treasures Kaky loved investing in others.

Kaky is predeceased by her parents, Hallie Katherine Rice and Eddie Robert Peek, her husband, Jim, her daughter, Mary Anne Stephens and grandson, Gary Stephens Jr. Kaky was blessed with two beloved younger sisters, Hallie Marie (Ree) Roberts and Barbara Ann (Bobbie) Blalock, who are deceased. She is survived by her son, Marty Wilkie and daughter, Susan Raye Welch and her son-in-law, Matthew (Matt) who she cherished like a son. She is also survived by two very special nieces, Lisa Thompson and Cindy Shepherd, and her godchild, Katrina Bowers, all of whom she loved as her own.

Kaky’s big blue eyes were passed on to her grandchild, Krista Stephens Prescott and her big personality was made even larger by her 75+ year friendship with her brother-in-law, Hoyt Blalock, whom she adored as her brother. Kaky’s big heart also extended to two great grandchildren and many other nieces and nephews. As the years passed, Kaky’s family circle grew larger as she often proclaimed others as family by love, not by blood.

We are grateful for the love shown to Kaky by her steadfast and compassionate caregivers: Monique, Shani, Jameka, Carol, Nancy and Stacianna who provided great comfort and kindness as Kaky found her way to her final home.

A memorial service to celebrate big blue eyes, a big personality and an even bigger heart will be held on June 16th at 10:30am at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel and Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. A brunch reception will follow where the family will receive condolences.

Given Kaky’s intense love of all things botanical, flowers are welcomed as are charitable contributions to the American Heart Association.