Georgia Wilkins, Diamond State retiree
Georgia “Jean” Wilkins, 90, passed away peacefully in her home Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. She was born Dec. 19, 1934, on the Pepper Family Farm in Georgetown, to John Wingate Elliott and Alberta Rogers Truitt.
Jean graduated from Georgetown High School Class of 1952. In her junior year of high school, she started working at the Diamond State Telephone Company. After 31 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1982 as a test desk technician.
In 1957, Jean married Charles “Cap” Wilkins. They were married for 61 years and were a very devoted couple to each other. They spent much of their time together going to various antique auctions, including Wilson’s Auction, Crumpton, and many public sales. Auctions made Saturdays special, turning ordinary weekends into memories of shared treasures and unexpected discoveries. Cap and Jean loved adding to their extensive and fascinating antique collections. Each item they purchased brought a smile to their face and a story to tell.
Of all their accomplishments, they were most proud of the restoration of the Stockley Railroad Station and a country store. They made many wonderful friends along the way during their exciting antiquing adventures. Jean took great pride in her most recent project, the expansion of the telephone building at the Nutter D. Marvel Carriage Museum. To preserve and share her passion, she donated numerous antique telephones and personal telephone memorabilia, which will be displayed in remembrance of both her and Cap. The project is nearing its completion. Jean was known for her friendly personality, laughter, and great jokes. She was also an excellent cook and baker, and enjoyed hosting dinners with her friends and family.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Wilkins; her parents; brothers, John Albert Elliott and Preston Waples Elliott; sister, Gladys Elliott Graves; and nephew, Henry Graves.
Jean is survived by her special nephews, John W. Elliott, his wife Dawn, and their daughter Meghan, Charles L. Graves Jr., his wife Lisa, their son Charles III, his wife Hillary, and daughter Allie; as well as several other nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. Visitation will take place from noon to 1 p.m. The graveside service will be held immediately following at Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nutter D. Marvel Carriage Museum, 510 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com/obituaries/georgia-wilkins.
