News and Views

The Rev. Pauline V. Wilkins, a retired Elder, died Oct. 11, 2018, at home   A Celebration of Life service was held Oct. 20 at Sharp Street Memorial UMC in Baltimore. The Rev. Cary James officiated with participation by the Revs. Raphael Koikoi, Eugene Matthews, Karen Bethea, Marlon Tilghman and Andre R. Briscoe Jr., The Rev. Antoine Love gave the eulogy. Clergy processed in white robes and red stoles.

Pauline Viola Ridgley was born April 13, 1932, in Perryman, Harford County, the fourth child of George Edward and Cassie Warfield Ridgley. Following her mother’s death at the age of four, she was raised by an aunt and uncle. She was a graduate of Havre de Grace High School and with a scholarship attended Bowie State University at the age of 16. She had degrees or certificates from Cortez Peters Business School, the University of Maryland School of Practical Nursing, George Washington College and the College of Notre Dame of Maryland where she received a BA in Business Administration. She received her M. Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Prior to her call to ministry, Wilkins worked as a hospital attendant in a psychiatric ward, as a real estate agent, a technical publications editor for the Department of Defense and a computer program analyst for C&P Telephone Company.

She began her ministry in 1991 at Christ UMC in Aquasco. This appointment was followed by Asbury UMC in D.C., 1994-1996; and Northwood-Appold UMC in Baltimore, 1996-2002, when she retired. In retirement she became the first female director of the Morgan State University Christian Center; and in January 2001, began pastoring the Faith Community in Baltimore for a short time.

She served at the conference level as chairperson of the Conference Board of Christian Education and as Coordinator of Pages/Tellers for Annual Conference. She was secretary/registrar of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.

Wilkins was a great cook and hosted many family gatherings, where family would gather for festive meals and games. She enjoyed theater, which she attended frequently with her daughter Karen. She enjoyed spending time in the Caribbean with daughter Clarissa,  and would drive cross-country well into her eighties to visit a daughter. Her grandchildren enjoyed counting and dusting her extensive collection of turtles.

Survivors include her daughters: Valerie Lee Fraling, Cheryl Johnson, Karen Johnson Chase and Clarissa Pritchett. She was matriarch of five generations: eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters.

Condolences may be sent to Cheryl Johnson, 204 Chaucer Lane, Apt. G, Bel Air, MD 21014.

Wilkins left a “new address” for herself: Rev. Pauline Wilkins, Heavenly Circle, Godstown, Heaven.