Elaine Wilkinson

Elaine Ray Wilkinson, age 98, of Parkville, Maryland (formerly of Bel Air, MD) passed away on January 12, 2021 at Oak Crest Village in Parkville, Maryland, after a long and well-lived life. Born in Franklinville, Maryland, she was the daughter of Samuel Howard Ray and Grace Mae (Campbell) Ray and wife of the late James Wilkinson.

Elaine began working at Edgewood Arsenal after obtaining her nursing degree. She served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurses Corps, and then returned to her nursing position in Industrial Medical Service and Occupational Health at Edgewood. Elaine and Jimmy enjoyed boating, fishing, crabbing and spending time with their friends at the boat club. After Jimmy passed, Elaine moved to Bel Air, MD. She became an active member of Bel Air United Methodist Church and was the Employee Health Nurse and Head of Volunteers at Fallston General Hospital. Elaine was a member of the Rebekah Assembly of Maryland, where she served as a former President. Her President’s project raised funds to purchase a new luxury van given to the Odd Fellows Home of MD for the resident’s use. Elaine was an appointed committee member of the International Association of Rebekah Assembly. She played the organ and piano for many fraternal functions in Maryland and throughout the country for the Rebekahs. She cherished the friendships made with her fellow Rebekahs for many years. Her hobbies included music, card games and bingo and she often went to Las Vegas and Atlantic City to play the slot machines. Elaine was a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles and rarely missed a game.
She lived her life by her favorite saying "God is bigger than any problem I have."

Elaine is survived by nieces, Gail Blauvelt of Phoenix, MD, Gwen Hilberg of Jarrettsville, MD and Joyce Stroupe of Towson, MD; nephew, Lieutenant Commander Greg Ellison of Annapolis, MD; and sister-in-law, Marge Ellison of Parkville, MD.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Marian Ray Stroupe, who passed away in November 2020.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300 Jacksonville FL 32256 or Maryland Food Bank, Attn: Donor Services, 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road, Baltimore, MD 21227.