‘WE MISS KELLY EVERY DAY’
The devastated family of the Gold Coast mum vow she will never be forgotten
It has been almost four months since devoted mum-of-three Kelly Wilkinson was found dead in her suburban Queensland home. For her three sisters, Danielle, 32, Emma, 29, and Natalie, 25, the best gift they can afford the bright young soul they describe as “loyal and protective”, is to make sure her memory forever lives on.
“Kelly was only 27 years old – she had her whole life ahead of her, with so many hopes and dreams,” eldest sister Danielle Carroll tells Woman’s Day. “Our role now, and into the future, is to make those dreams come true. One thing is certain, she’ll be watching over us with that cheeky smile, likely bossing us around as she often did!”
BANDING TOGETHER
The family is adamant they won’t speak of any details relating to their sister’s death – only to say it is before the courts. It’s alleged Kelly’s estranged partner, Brian Earl Johnston, set her on fire at her Arundel, Gold Coast home on April 20. He is charged with murder and, at the time of going to press, no plea has been entered.
Danielle and devoted husband Rhys have since taken in Kelly’s three children, adding to their brood of five. The sisters agree it’s going to require a real team effort moving forward.
“Rhys is the best dad to our kids, and a wonderful uncle – we know together we’ve got this,” says Danielle.
Holding back tears, Danielle explains she’s overwhelmed by the enormous generosity from the community as the now extended family of 10 make plans to move into their new seven-bedroom house by the end of the year.
“Metricon Homes here on the Gold Coast stepped up and have been amazing. As has the community at large who have dug deep and donated to help get us through this,”
she says. “Kelly’s house was always full of warmth – I want to make sure our new home is bursting with plenty of love.”
Kelly’s heartbreaking death came less than eight weeks after their precious mum Karen died suddenly at the age of 55 from a brain aneurysm. It’s hard to imagine one family could endure so much sadness in a few short months.
For Emma, who lives in Canberra where she’s a fulltime cabinet maker, the memory of Kelly at their dying mum’s bedside is one she will cherish forever.
“Mum, and our dear dad Reg, they never had favourites with us four girls, but Mum and Kelly shared a very special and unique bond.
“Mum was Kelly’s soulmate – her loyalty to our mum, I’ve never seen anything like it. Even if Mum was in the wrong, Kelly would jump in and defend her. Poor old Dad didn’t stand a chance!”
Baby sister Natalie smiles warmly, remembering as a little girl being dragged everywhere by “bossy boots” Kelly.
“We would go to the corner store and she made sure I spent every cent I had on the lollies she picked out,” she recalls. “She was a real tomboy – we often said she was the son that Dad never had! Growing up on the Gold Coast she loved to ride motorbikes, and was the kid who always made people laugh.”
LASTING LEGACY
Eldest Danielle is determined their sister’s legacy will live on.
“Kelly dreamed of one day being surrounded by fields of her favourite sunflowers, which I suppose represented a wonderful sense of freedom.
“She was an amazing mum, and a brilliant sister. Her generosity was her greatest quality. When I was packing up the kids’ rooms, there were dozens of boxes of their toys and treasures.
“When I gathered my sister’s things, there was just one box – that’s our Kelly. Even when she was struggling, she would still reach out and help others.
“Our comfort comes from knowing she is somewhere with our precious mum, and despite everything that’s happened, she still has our backs.
We miss her every day.”
To help the Wilkinson children go to au.gofundme.com/f/help-kellys-children
‘Even when she was struggling, she would help others’