CELESTE WILKINSON

1952-2017

Celeste was born on February 13, 1952 in Houston, Texas to Harold and Anita Baker. She graduated from Jesse H Jones High School in 1970. Her college years were spent at Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974.

She worked 27 ½ years for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now ATT)

In 1979, Celeste married the love of her life, Thomas Wilkinson. Together they pursued the passion of marathon canoe racing in many states in the USA from the late 1970’s until 1994. In 1986 Celeste, Teddy Gray, and Donna Bugge, entered the Texas Water Safari as the 1st Woman’s unlimited boat. They finished 1st in their class and spent 72 hours on the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers. Other pursuits were hiking at Glacier National Park and Big Bend National Park. Celeste also did a little mountain biking. Canoeing remained her best loved sport, and she and Tom spent a week paddling their sea kayak on Lake Powell in 2005, one of the most beautiful manmade lakes in the world.

After Celeste’s Pulmonary Hypertension reared its ugly head again in 2009, her sporting activities were curtailed. However, Celeste and her husband Tom did manage to go on an Alaskan Cruise in 2010. And two trips to Big Bend, her favorite place in the world. Also she went on many trips to Brownsville Loop Reunion’s and North Texas Baker Christmases, courtesy of her sister, Teresa.

Celeste is survived by her husband, Thomas Wilkinson. Her mother, Anita Baker. Her sister, Teresa Dedman and her husband Randy.

Her brother Mike Baker and his wife Mary Beth.

Her Nephew Alexander Baker.

Her Nephew Jesse Dedman, his wife Jennifer and their children, Wyatt and Evalyn.

Her niece, Lauren Clough and her husband Matt

Her niece, Charly Irvin, and her husband Dustin and daughter Emma.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, you may donate to 10811 Kirkfair Dr., Hou. 77089, Celeste’s church Kirkwood South Christian Church.