Janette Hassell Wilkinson, 76, of Florence, Alabama, passed away on March 30, 2024 surrounded at home by her loving family.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence with Rev. Callie Plunket-Brewton officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Janette was born on August 18 1948, to John Franklin and Billie Hassell in Sheffield, Alabama. After graduating from Coffee High School in 1965, she went on to study classical piano at Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was there she met who would become her constant companion and devoted husband of 54 years, Gary Palin Wilkinson, Sr. Gary and Janette married on August 30, 1969. The couple moved to Florence, Alabama in 1975 where Janette became an active member of the community and mother to three, beloved boys, who, as she would always say, were her greatest accomplishments. Janette was one of the founders of Riverhill School in Florence. It was there she tirelessly devoted her heart and time to nourishing and loving students, faculty, and staff for over 30 years. She and Gary are members of Trinity Episcopal Church. She also faithfully served on the Florence First Presbyterian Church bereavement committee for over 24 years. Janette was also a member of Sew-And-Sew with some of her dear friends, who often gathered to celebrate life and the blessings their friendships provided one another.
Janette was most proud of her family, especially her sons and eight beloved grandchildren. She was the first one to volunteer for any and all tasks while her children attended schools, and took great pride in being in the stands to watch them all play their respective sports. Later, she would take equal, if not more pride, in watching her grandchildren excel in all their activities, splash around off the pier at her home, and make sure every meal she ever prepared for them would be the most delicious they ever had. Janette had many nicknames, but her favorite and most beloved was “Nette Nette.”
Janette was preceded in death by her parents, Billie and John Franklin Hassell; sister, Mary Brown Hassell Caldwell and brother-in-law, Robert Stewart Caldwell. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Palin Wilkinson, Sr. of Florence, AL; sons, Gary Palin Wilkinson, Jr. of Birmingham, AL (Rachel); John Franklin Hassell Wilkinson of Oxford, MS (Taylor); William Pratt Wilkinson of Oxford, MS (Ashley); sister, Britton Hassell Nielsen of Nashville, TN (Norris); eight grandchildren, Hassell, Palin, William, Owen, Clarkie, Weldon, Anne Margaret, and Kathleen; and beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions can be made to Riverhill School Foundation, 2710 Darby Drive, Florence, AL 35634.
Elkins East Chapel is assisting the family.
You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.
