Roy Winston Wilkinson

Roy Winston Wilkinson was born in McComb, MS to the late Mr. and Mrs. Roy Winston Wilkinson, Sr. He was the grandson of the late Captain and Maggie Gordon Wilkinson of McComb. His original American ancestor was Captain Lawrence Wilkinson, who arrived in Providence, RI in 1645 and was the founder of a large and prominent Quaker family.

He is predeceased by his sister, Mildred Vawter, wife, Mildred Elizabeth Harkins, and survived by his 10 children, 21 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. His children are; Joel Wilkinson of Dallas, Michael, Wayne and David Wilkinson of New Orleans, Roseanne Sakata of Madison, Kevin, Tim (Sheila) and Patrice Wilkinson of Atlanta, Christopher Wilkinon of San Francisco and Melanie Vetrano (Tony) of Rosemary Beach, FL.

One of his passions in life was collecting and promoting MS artists. He also collected Italian religious paintings, which he donated to St. Francis. For many years Roy taught an enrichment class at Millsaps College on Collecting MS Art. He enjoyed frequent trips to Italy where he made many friends. He was active on and off the stage at New Stage Theatre and served on their board, as well as on the board of the MS Museum of Art. The MS Museum of Art honored him with a special day of recognition in 2013. He retired from Jackson/Hinds Library.

Roy was a former Governor General of the Order of First Families of MS. He was also a member of the Plantagenet Society as well as the Americans of Royal Descent and the Society of the War of 1812.

For many years, he wrote poetry for the Clarion Ledger under the name of Gerard Daniel Wilkinson.

Roy said that if anyone would like to contact him, he will be in spirit at Pepi in Rome on the Piazzo Barberini or in a quiet corner in St. Peter Basilica.

The family would like to thank Tonia Moore for compassion and care of Roy along with the Lady Bug Home Care.

Memorials can be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 2155 Terry Road, Jackson, MS.