Mary "Bea" Wilke

Mary Beatrice “Bea” Wilke, 86, of Henderson, passed away peacefully with her family at her side early Monday morning, October 25, 2021. Bea was born the daughter of Harrison Beck and Mary Beatrice (Calhoun) Beck. She was the eighth of fifteen children and her mother’s namesake. On November 23, 1955 Bea married Johnny Carlisle “JC” Campbell and together they were blessed with three children. Sadly, JC passed away while her children were still young. She worked tirelessly to care for them on her own until she reluctantly gave in to a date with William “Wild Bill” Wilke. (He drove a truck, professionally, and “Wild Bill” was-not by his choosing-his CB handle). Bea was quoted as saying, “I will NOT go on a date with ANY man named “Wild Bill”...” But, as it turned out, the only thing “wild” about Bill was the fact he was vehemently wild about Bea. She found a partner in life who loved as fiercely as she did. They soon married and he affectionately became the only grandfather her children’s children would ever know. Bea was the Director of Dietary at Redbanks Nursing Home (Henderson) for many years and was much loved by residents and staff alike. She received highest accolades for her cooking skills at both work and home. (She cooked for the “masses” wherever she was!) When she retired, she became a volunteer “granny” through Green River Senior Volunteer and spent her days at South Heights Elementary where she was fondly known as “Granny Bea”. She loved her time there and felt she was doing something truly meaningful and “worthwhile”. Bea was kind, loving, giving, funny, smart and witty. She made many memories through tales, songs and rhymes for her grandchildren to carry throughout their lives.She was an incredibly devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Despite her very large family she always made time (and a meal) for everyone. Her home, kitchen and arms were always, always open.She was the rock on which many leaned. She showed such grace and perseverance through the many losses and trials in her life, that through her, it was learned what strength and resilience truly looks like. She provided unwavering support and love for her family, consequently setting an often seemingly unreachable bar for the women (her daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters) she raised. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, only son, Steven Alan Campbell and daughter, Janice Franklin. Brothers Robert, Marvin, Earl, James and Kenny Beck. SistersFrances Guill, Margaret Clouse, Hazel Byrd, Helen Blankenship, Lois Beck, Cecilia Sutton and Patricia Beck. And grandson, Richard Biggers. She is survived by her daughter Doris Dale (Mark) and grandchildren, Shannon Beck Hendricks, Jarrod Beck (Twila), Kelli Orange (Ronnie) Jill Thomas and Nathan O’Brien. Great grandchildren Marleigh Hendricks Mullins (Greg), Mason Hendricks, Lanson Beck, Conlin and Watson Beck, Gracie, Jaxsen, and Parker Orange, Roni, Rayn, and Avery O’Brien. One Great-great granddaughter, Garisynn Mullins. Brother Richard Beck and sister Anna Englehardt (Phillip). And many nieces and nephews. Mary “Bea” Wilke was, by all accounts, the absolute greatest “Mom” and “Nana”. Her family was what she loved most and they acknowledge they were indeed, “blessed with the best”. They will live out their Earthly days remembering her love, missing her presence and patiently waiting to put their arms around her again. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 28, 2021, 2:00 PM at Tomblinson Funeral Home, Henderson Chapel with Rev. Jack Ross officiating.  Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home.