Elaine Wilkinson

Elaine German Wilkinson, age 66, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on May 10, 2024 at Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville.

Elaine was born on September 11, 1957 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Russel Earl German and Hilda Anna May. Elaine and her siblings were raised in Illiopolis, IL, and she still has many friends from that area, including life-long friend, Jeannie Camfield. She graduated from Illiopolis High School in 1975.

On August 26, 1983, Elaine married Deon Wilkinson. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2007. After marrying Deon, Elaine settled in Taylorville where she made the most wonderful friends who have been an amazing support tribe during the last two years of her cancer battle.

She loved golf and especially loved gathering with the golf girls for after golf celebrations. Other hobbies included accessorizing–every outfit had a purse, wallet, shoes, and jewelry to match, bowling, spending time with girlfriends, and being the life of the party.

Elaine dearly loved life and loved to have fun. She loved to show off her sassy side. If it was going to shock someone, Elaine was going to say it. She was a loving, fun, full of life, feisty woman with a big heart.

She was a member of the Taylorville V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #4495 and Taylorville First United Methodist Church. Her visits with Pastor Becky were truly a comfort.

She worked in medical billing and as a Certified Ambulance Billing Specialist–spending 20 years working at America Ambulance (Springfield, IL) and most recently working at Dunn’s Ambulance Service, Inc. (Taylorville, IL). She met many dear friends during her time in the EMS industry.

Elaine often expressed how lucky and blessed she was to have such wonderful people in her life.

Elaine is survived by her sisters, Sharon Bernhoff (husband, Orrin) of TN and Helen Rogers (fiance, David Towne) of Stonington, IL; brother, Russell Duane German (wife, Pamela) of Anywhere USA; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, bonus children, and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; little brother, Myron German; niece, Melissa Bernhoft; and companion of 10 years, William (Bill) Marshall.

Visitation & Funeral Services: The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home 202 W. Franklin, Taylorville, IL. Elaine’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, also at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, Taylorville, with Rev. Becky Lembke officiating.

Interment will follow the funeral service at Oak Hill Cemetery, 820 South Cherokee St., Taylorville, Illinois.

Memorial contributions in Elaine’s memory are suggested to: V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #4495, 515 N. West Ave., Taylorville, IL 62568.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Elaine, or to offer condolences to her family.