Elaine "Shellie" Wilkinson

73, passed away May 21st . Born in Tampa, Florida to Howard and Elaine Ferguson, Shellie's father was an Air Force officer who, in his career, took the family to several states in the U.S., but ultimately her mother's love of the water brought the family back to the gulf coast.

Shellie attended Dixie Hollins High School where she met the love of her life, William "Wilkie" Wilkinson.

They married in 1968 shortly before Wilkie began his long career in the army. After her mother's death

in 1972, Shellie adopted and raised her two younger brothers, Travis and Mike. Shellie was a very proud

army wife. As part of his deployment, Wilkie was sent to Italy in the late 1980s, and he and Shellie had a

wonderful time together exploring much of Europe. Back in the US, wherever relocations took them,

Shellie always looked for a job in a veterinary clinic, which fueled her love of animals. Although her last

job in Citrus Springs wasn't animal related, it was here that she formed some beautiful friendships.

After retiring, they bought some land and settled in the country where they cared for their many pets,

enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and spent quality time together before Wilkie passed away

in late 2021.

Shellie is also predeceased by her father and mother, and brother James Travis Ferguson. She leaves

behind two brothers, Thomas Lee Ferguson (Joanne Hardeman) and John Michael Ferguson (Lesley).

Funeral arrangements handled by DeGusipe Funeral Home(Formerly R. Lee Williams and Son)