Caroline Elizabeth Matthews Wilkins
Caroline Elizabeth Matthews Wilkins, age 94, of Bridgewater, Virginia, formerly of Harrisonburg and Center Cross, VA, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025. She was the wife of James Cooper Wilkins with whom she shared 54 years of marriage until his death in 2005.
Born in Newport News, VA, the only child of the late Ethel Burns Smith and Hershel Reams Matthews. She was a graduate of Poquoson High School, Class of 1947 and Madison College, Class of 1951 (now James Madison University). She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
Caroline taught physical education in York County, Shenandoah County, Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg. She coached boys basketball in the early 50's in Shenandoah Co. and a girls team in Rockingham County and Thomas Harrison Jr High School as well as the City of Harrisonburg. She loved teaching and her students.
She supported and encouraged her husband throughout his land surveying career as the owner of James C. Wilkins and Associates. In 1982 Jim and Caroline retired to Center Cross, VA where they enjoyed 15 golden years. They embraced life at their home, Holly Springs, and enjoyed many friends in Essex Co. and at Rappahannock Christian Church. In 1997, with Jim's health declining, they returned to the Shenandoah Valley, moving to Bridgewater, VA where she lovingly cared for her husband until his death in 2005.
Caroline was a past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star Chapter #76 in Harrisonburg and Chapter #83 in Warsaw, VA. She volunteered for the United Way, and RMH. She was actively involved in Operation Detection, which was a grant program to get free mammograms for underprivileged women during the early nineties. She enjoyed doting on her dogs and cats, flowers and gardening, challenging jigsaw puzzles, and joyfully not cooking. She was an active member of Harrisonburg Senior Center and enjoyed their activities, especially playing Scrabble with her friends. Caroline enjoyed having JMU students come to her home with the Caregivers Community Network program.
Survivors include three daughters and their families, Lenee Bryan of Avondale, PA, Mary Wilson (Jack) of Charlottesville, VA, Beth Bland (Gary) of Bridgewater, VA; eight grandchildren, Patrick Bryan (Marie), Cari Schroder (Brian), Jamie Bryan (Paola), Emily Wilson (A.J.), Luke Wilson, Daniel Wilson (Heather), Allison Embrey (John), Dillon Bland (Taylor); seven great-grandchildren, Adam Schroder, Matthew Schroder, Tenley Embrey, Grey Embrey, Christopher Bryan, Alejandra Bryan, and Henry Wilson.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Program for Aging Services, 975 S. High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or White Birch Communities, Activities Fund, 847 Oakwood Dr., Rockingham, VA 22801.
