Annbeth Sommers Wilkinson, Class of 1956

08-23-2023

Annbeth Wilkinson ’56 died August 23, 2023. Annbeth was born on February 9, 1934, in Ottawa, OH to the late Edwin and Luella Sommers. She graduated from Ottawa HS and Otterbein University where she met Robert Wilkinson ’56, her future husband. She graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to establish and direct the First Presbyterian Nursery School in Matawan, NJ in 1966 which stills thrives today. While at Otterbein she was involved in the choir and Sigma Alpha tau (Owls) sorority.

She relocated many times over the years including homes in NC, WV, FL, MD, NJ, GA, and SC. In her travels she made close and lasting friendships through her kindness, compassion, creativity, empathy, generosity, and patience. She was a talented singer in many church choirs and devoted her time and resources to multiple charities and the Stevens Ministry.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert ’56, brothers Carl and James Sommers, sister Luella Mae Rosebrook and grandson Bradley Wilkinson.

She is survived by children; Mark, Scott (Eileen) and Lynn (Victor) Smiroldo. Also survived by her grandchildren Stephanie (Chris) Aylward, Mark Wilkinson, Jr., (Alyssa), Chelsea (Aaron) Wilkowitz, Tara Wilkinson, sister-in-law Elaine Cook and great grandchildren Charlotte and Audrey Aylward and Silas Wilkowitz.