Little Compton, RI – Inez (Cornell) Wilkie, 90, of Long Highway, Little Compton, RI died Monday, September 13, 2004 at home after a brief illness. She was the widow of the late Chester R. Wilkie, Sr.
She was born in Westport, daughter of the late Arthur R. and Mabel (Tripp) Cornell, and had resided in Little Compton for over 70 years. She attended Westport Schools in her childhood and was employed for over 50 years as a floor person for the former Fairhope Fabrics, Inc. of Fall River until her retirement. She was a member of the United Congregational Church of Little Compton.
Mrs. Wilkie was responsible, with her late husband for bringing square dancing to Little Compton in the 1950’s, ultimately building Chet’s Barn, which became a Mecca for square dancers all along the east coast. An avid bingo player who loved to travel she was also a member of the Little Compton Women’s Bowling League for many years.
She is survived by 2 sons: Chester R. Wilkie, Jr. of Little Compton and Carlton “Butch” Wilkie of Little Compton; a daughter: Caroline W. Wordell of Little Compton; 7 grandchildren: Susan Wilkie, Chester Wilkie III, Christopher Wilkie, Robin Brow, Kimberly Hebert, Kevin Wilkie and Traci Warrington; 8 great grandchildren: Alicia, Rachel, Hannah, Abigail, Benjamin, and Kevin Wilkie, Mackenzie Brow and Christie Hebert; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the mother of the late Arthur “Benny” Wilkie and sister of the late Avis Gifford, Rosamond Loman, Howard Cornell, Hervey Cornell, Albert Cornell and Arthur Cornell.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport.
Calling hours Wednesday 6 - 9 P.M.
Interment in Pleasant View Cemetery, Tiverton, RI.
Flowers are acceptable or donations in her memory may be made to: Little Compton Ambulance Fund, Little Compton Commons, Little Compton, RI 02837 or Hospice Outreach, 502 Bedford St., Fall River, MA 02720.