Loetta B. Wilkins, 79, of Salisbury, MD gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, MD. Born on April 12, 1942, in Baltimore City, MD, to the late Rev. Walter B. Ward and the late Alma R. Miles-Ward.
She was educated in the Somerset County School System. She attended Bowie State College and earned her B.A. degree in Education in 1965.
Loetta began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Baltimore City Public School system where she taught from 1965-1967.
In June of 1967, Loetta married the love of her life, the late Eugene Wilkins and they moved to East Orange, NJ where they lived for six years before moving back home to Crisfield, MD. She continued working as a teacher in Somerset County upon her return home. In 1977, Loetta and Eugene purchased a home and moved to Salisbury and shortly after she transferred to the Wicomico County Public school system from which she would later retire after a combined total of 40 years of teaching. While working full time and raising her family she also went on to earn her master’s degree in 1983.
Loetta joined St. Paul AME Zion church in 1980. As an active member of the church, she held many positions over the years including class leader, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent. She was also a lifelong member of the Sanctuary Choir.
Loetta loved her community. She was a member of the Carter G. Woodson Alumni Association. She continued to tutor students one on one, work as a substitute teacher and she loved to travel as often as possible.
She is survived by two sons, Austin Torney, Sr. (Alisa) and Chad Wilkins (Nicka); two daughters, Adrian Torney (James) and Karen Miller; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; five brothers, Brewster Ward, Sr., Bernard Ward, Sr. (Valerie), Austin Ward, Sr. (Angel), Delontae Ward (Deborah) and Michael Ward (Monica); one sister Darlene Ward; a host of nephews, nieces family and friends. Also, a special cousin/best friend Shirley Potter.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Walter B. Ward, Jr. and three sisters Gilda Spearman, Doris Ann Sterling and Alma “Christine” Lewis.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 2, 2021 at Saint Paul A.M.E. Zion Church 410 Delaware Ave, Salisbury MD, with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the church in Salisbury MD.
Interment will be held 12:30 PM, Monday, July 5,2021 at Spring Hill Memory Gardens in Hebron, MD.
5 Responses
To the Family,
Sending my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you in the days and months ahead. Praying for all of you.
To: Chad & Entire Wilkins’ Family
We pray God will lift you and family in you hour of sorrow!
We pray that God will continue to Bless you and give you
strength in the days ahead.
To The Family Of Loetta Wilkins
She was like a mother to me, she saw me through some hard times and always reminded me to keep my faith in God. My heart is sadden, but I know I will see her again. I pray that we are will be ready when out time comes. Blessing to the Ward, Torney and Wilkin Family.
To the family of Loetta:
Loetta and I were friends, attended classes and graduated together from Woodson High. I always looked forward to seeing her and chatting at the annual Woodson reunion luncheons. She will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
S. Diane Nickens Gil
To the family of Loetta:
I (Gail Anne Mitchell) began my teaching career with Loetta at Henry E. Kentopp School in East Orange, N.J. She and I co-taught third grade. I learned many teaching strategies from Loetta. She was a master teacher and a supportive, nurturing friend. My husband, William P. Mitchell (Mitch) is related through Eugene.
Her gentleness and sincere personality will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.