Norma Carlene Wilkinson

Norma was born in Galena, Kan., to Melville "Joe" and LaTressa Vanderpool, the second of their four children. The summer after graduating from high school in 1946, she moved to Alaska, fulfilling her childhood dream. Alone in a new town, she immediately got a job at the Corp of Engineers, where she lived in the barracks. She found a church home at First Baptist and a husband in airman George Wilkinson, whom she married in 1948. Over the next 20 years in the Air Force, they raised five children while living in 11 states throughout the U.S. This included four years in Fairbanks, Alaska, at Eielson AFB and another tour at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, where the family settled in 1967. In the early '70s, Norma worked for Alaska State Operated Schools until their offices closed. She then worked for the State of Alaska, first in the Child Support Enforcement Division and then the Attorney General's office in Child Proceedings, where she retired in 1995. Norma was adventurous, loved the outdoors, going for long drives and meeting new people. After her retirement, she and her brother went on an extended cross-country road trip, which she talked about for years. As a steadfast Christian, Norma gave freely of herself to her family, friends and church. She was a wise counselor and a great mom. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Wanda Dougan and Rose Hall; and brother, Jerry Vanderpool. She leaves behind her children: Ann Wilkinson, George Wilkinson II, Jerry Wilkinson and wife Debra, Curt Wilkinson and wife Kim Bodnar, and Sandy Erickson. She also leaves eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. An open house going away party will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, from 12-3 p.m., in the basement fellowship hall of First Baptist Church on 10th Avenue and L Street. The family may be reached by calling 907-240-7336.