Moonyeen Wilkes

CLAXTON: Moonyeen Wilkes passed away on November 16, 2017 from complications from
Alzheimer's. She was 93 years old. Her beautiful smile and quick wit is missed greatly
by her family and friends. We called her mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother,
cousin, and “Little Mama.”
Moonyeen Claire was born August 25, 1924 in Brunswick, Georgia to Frances S. and
Hoyt W. Brown. She graduated from Glynn Academy. She married the love of her life,
W.L. Wilkes from St. Simons Island, on November 2, 1941. They had two daughters,
Nan and Moonyeen Claire. In addition to Brunswick she and her family lived and worked
in Macon and Dublin. They retired to Townsend to live on the coast and then moved to
Claxton about 15 years ago to Northspring to be closer to family.
Her rather unique name often was a conversation starter. Her mother fell in love with
the name from the Broadway play, “Smilin’ Through”, that she and her husband saw in
New York. Moonyeen later passed on this name to her own daughter.
Moonyeen was known for her generosity throughout her life. She was passionate about
helping those in need, whether it was helping a stray dog or cat find a home or donating
money to help a child with their education. For her service to the community she was
awarded the Young Woman of the Year in 1958 in Brunswick. She was involved in the
PTA when her daughters were in school, an active member and supporter of the
Methodist church, a member of the Garden Club, and she and her husband were
instrumental in helping to establish the Humane Society in Dublin. She was also a
golfer, an animal lover, a birder, a cook, a seamstress, a milliner, a tailor, and an ardent
follower of the “Tightwad Gazette”.
She leaves her daughters, Claire Majors of Claxton and Nan DeColaines (and her
husband Don) of High Shoals, her granddaughter Kristan Majors Chilcoat, and her
great-granddaughter Claire (a.k.a. Claire III), as well as several close nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends. We each have fond memories with her including telling stories
around the dinner table or in the sitting room, cooking together in the kitchen, boating
along the river, and spending summers with her and W.L. wherever they lived. She
loved to cook, entertain, and be surrounded by her extended family and friends.
A private memorial service will be held with family and friends in the Spring on St.
Simons Island. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local animal shelter or your favorite
charity and cards sharing your own stories will be appreciated. We are in awe of her
grace and ability to make friends and expand her family wherever she lived.



Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
“Our Family Serving Your Family”
“Since 1917”
(912) 739-3338
www.nesmithfuneralhome.com