Carolyn Faye Wilkes (March 1, 1943 – January 9, 2022)

Born on March 1, 1943, Carolyn was the oldest child of the late William Paul Wilkes, Sr. and Faye Iona Hill Wilkes.  Growing up in East Memphis, she graduated from Treadwell High School, class of 1961, along with her life-long friend Virgie Moore.  Carolyn was married to George Alfred Wright, Sr. from 1961 to 1988.  Affectionately known as "KO" to her family and friends, she was a true Jesus-follower and was dedicated to her church and friends.  She was an active member of Central Church until she became physically unable to attend.

Carolyn died in Atlanta, Georgia where she had been living for the past one and one-half years.  Her son and daughter were able to be with her on that day.

She was preceded in death by her brother William Paul (Bill) Wilkes, Jr.  She is survived by: her aunt, Pansy Thomas (Lamar, SC), her sister Martha Wilkes Ditto Bollrud, her sister-in law Tommie Jo Wilkes (William), her son George Alfred Wright, Jr. (Alice) of Atlanta, GA, Paula Faye Wright of Warner Robins, GA, five grandchildren who loved her dearly, Amanda Marie Galloway DeCosta (Nicholas), Zachary Morrison Wright, Aubrey Nathaniel Wright, Caroline Grace Wright, and Kiera Joy Wright, and her great-granddaughter Sadie Lynn DeCosta.  Her nieces and nephews are James Edward Ditto III, Jeffrey Howard Ditto, and Amy Marie Wilkes DeLong.

While a busy mother of two, Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Dietetics from The University of Tennessee. She worked for decades in a variety of roles as a Registered Dietitian. She was an involved, loving grandmother who frequently cared for her grandchildren and always prayed for them.  She often shared prayer requests with her dear friend Dorothy Wilkerson.  Carolyn's love language was gift-giving and she always had gifts ready for everyone at every occasion. She was a physically affectionate nurturer with a big hug.  Those near her had no doubt they were greatly loved! Carolyn enjoyed reading, watching sports (especially college football), traveling, attending Bible studies and spending time with family and friends.

After retirement, Carolyn served along with others from Central Church on short-term missions trips to the Agua Viva Children's Home in Guatemala. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Bibles for China thrift store in Memphis, TN. A major highlight of her life after retirement was a trip to Israel accompanied by her good friend Sandra Oates.

The family will receive friends at Forest Hill Funeral Home, 2440 Whitten Rd, Memphis, TN 38133 on Friday, January 14 at 9:00 AM, with a memorial service to follow at 10:00 AM.  Rev. Dr. Jimmy Latimer will lead the service. A short graveside service will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh LaGrange Road, Memphis, TN 38134.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Carolyn's caregivers at Phoenix Senior Living and Trinity Hospice, both of Georgia.  Special thanks to Dr. Gary Figiel and his practice in Atlanta for very thoughtful and thorough care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Short-term Missions Fund of Central Church in Collierville, TN.

Funeral Service Livestream Link

https://viewneral.zoom.us/j/ 91040050356?pwd= aktIanoyTjZZZlcvV2NvZk5UMWR3dz 09