Lillian Couey Wilkes passed from her earthly home into her heavenly one on Thursday, December 29, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Major Paul Lamont Wilkes, parents Clyde Couey and Annie Lee Couey, nephew Greg Couey, and sister-in-law Marion Couey.

Mrs. Wilkes graduated from Soperton High School in 1948 where she was May Day Queen and Herman Talmadge was the guest speaker. She entered Berry College in fall of 1948 and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education. In June of 1953, she married Lt. Paul L. Wilkes, who was stationed in Ft. Bliss, TX where they lived for one year before returning to Georgia. They both entered the University of Georgia, getting Masters Degrees sitting side by side and later their 6th year certificates.

Mrs. Wilkes at one time was a member of National Beta Club in N.S., Kapa Phi at the University of Georgia, Delta Kappa Gamma organization of Women in Education, The Eastern Stare, Historical Society of Laurens County, Blarney Stones, and Dublin Garden Club.

Mrs. Wilkes served in many positions in education, as a teacher, coordinator, supervisor, curriculum director, and administrative assistant in her 35 years of service. She served 4 years on the Georgia Accrediting Commission (G.A.C.). The members traveled through the state inspecting schools seeking accreditation or renewal.

Mrs. Wilkes was an avid gardener who loved to keep a beautiful yard full of flowers and green plants, a fact enjoyed each spring and summer by friends and neighbors and those passing by her home in Dublin.

Mrs. Wilkes leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Jeff (Lynn) Wilkes, of Dublin, and Millie Wilkes, of Dublin; sisters, Lorene Robinson, of Dublin, and Josephine Hinderacker, of Powder Springs; brother, Bobby Couey, of Dublin; step-grandson Chris (Tammy) Walker, an Eastern Star of Dublin, step-granddaughter, Dana Walker, of Dublin; step-great granddaughter, Allie (Jenson) Drew, of Dublin, Step-great granddaughter, Ashlee (Ryan) Fruits, of Savannah, two great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Monday, January 2, 2023 at Dublin Memorial Gardens at 1pm. Rev. Kevin Tanner will officiate.

Please visit www.townsendfuneralhome.com to sign the online memorial register.