Wilks, Amanda E.
1936 - 2017
Amanda Elizabeth Garrett Wilks, age 81, completed her final leg of her life's journey on Thursday, August 17 at her Home in Sun Lakes, Arizona after a brief illness. She was born to the late Ernest and Elease Garrett in Culleoka, Tennessee on March 24, 1936, the 5th of 9 children. The family moved to Dayton, Ohio when she 7. Amanda attended Dayton Public Schools and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1954, as the class salutatorian. She attended Ohio State University in Columbus, majoring in education and graduated in 1959. Later she earned additional degrees and certifications as a Reading Specialist from OSU. Amanda taught 3rd and 4th grades in the Columbus Public Schools for 42 years. After her retirement, she worked as a Reading Specialist in the Phoenix Public Schools for 2 years. She was a passionate, devoted, and talented educator. While a student at OSU, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On December 22, 1956, she was joined in holy matrimony to Eugene Samuel Wilks. Eugene and Amanda were devoted to one another for 37 years until his passing in1993. This union produced a son, Eugene Samuel Wilks, Jr. (Skip) and a daughter, Deanna Carol Wilks Williams (Raymond). In 2000 Amanda relocated from her long-term home in Columbus, Ohio to the Phoenix area in order to be closer to Deanna. After a short stay in Scottsdale, she settled in Sun Lakes, Arizona. She became involved in the local Democratic Party and the African Americans of Sun Lakes. She attended Chandler Christian Church, now Compass Christian Church. Amanda loved to curl up with a good book; she read everything from current fiction and Harry Potter, to political works and biographies. She loved collecting vintage jewelry and wearing beautiful hats and chic clothing, the movies, and intriguing TV shows such as the Game of Thrones. Amanda always fashionable, she never looked her actual age. However, by far, her greatest joy was the time she spent with her beloved grandson Wesley. She always had something both fun and educational planned for their times together. They were a great joy to one another. Amanda is preceded in death by her parents Elease and Ernest Garrett, her husband Eugene, their son Eugene, Jr. "Skip", brothers Walter, Maury, Steven, and Drake Garrett; and sisters, Hermanie McFarland and Roberta Garrett. Amanda is survived by her daughter, Deanna Williams (Raymond); and her beloved grandson, Raymond "Wesley" Williams of Chandler, AZ; her sisters, Mae Grant and Effie (Lou) Kendall; and her Godchildren, Garrett Kendall and Melissa Kendall Burrows (Grady) of Cleveland, Ohio; and many beloved nieces and nephews, to include Ronald and his wife, Janet (Wish) Bennett have been devoted family friends for over 40 years and her longtime friend and Delta Soror, Joanne Craig of Sun Lakes, Arizona; and a host of friends and relatives. Amanda will be truly missed by all those who knew her. Service of Memory 10 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2017, in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. Interment in Glen Rest Memorial Estates. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.diehl-whittaker.com/obits