Joan (Simpson) Wilkerson, Longtime Carson City Resident, Remembered for Kindness and Community Service
Joan (Simpson) Wilkerson, a longtime resident of Carson City, Nevada, passed away peacefully at her home on February 4, 2026, at the age of 87. Her life was marked by a dedication to service and a warm spirit that touched many in the community.
Born on June 18, 1938, in Ely, Nevada, to Henry Simpson and Ina (Horton) Simpson, Joan was proud to be a fourth-generation Nevadan. She moved to Carson City in 1969 and spent many years working as a legal secretary for various state divisions and private law firms. Following her retirement, she devoted her time to her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Beyond her family, Joan was deeply involved in numerous charitable endeavors. She volunteered at the FISH food pantry, providing assistance to those in need, and consistently took in stray animals, offering them care and compassion. Her commitment extended to the Special Olympics, where she coached and volunteered for several years, eventually serving as its athletic director. Later in life, she continued her service by volunteering at a local homeless shelter.
Those who knew Joan remember her for her ability to make others feel respected and loved. She had a knack for brightening people’s days and leaving a lasting positive impact on their lives.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Simpson and Ina Simpson (Horton); her siblings, Shirley (Simpson) Rowan Clark and Henry Bruce Simpson; and her children, Andre Quintero and Christina (Wilkerson) Cocking.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, George Wilkerson, whom she married on June 20, 1970. Their home was a welcoming space filled with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, laughter, and love. She is also survived by her son, Michael Quintero, and his children, Tristan Quintero and Brigette Quintero; her daughter, Michele Quintero, and her children, Amanda Brown and Elizabeth Quintero; her son, Mark Wilkerson, and his son, Kody Wilkerson; her son, Matthew Wilkerson, and his children, Salena Wilkerson, Rachel Wilkerson-Wentz, Henry Wilkerson, and Maizie Wilkerson; grandchildren Ashley Cocking and Katie Cocking; and great-grandchildren Andrea Manriquez, Elayna Quintero, Annabella Quintero, Damian Bittman, and Coraline Quintero.
A funeral service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Fitzhenry’s Funeral Home, located at 3945 Fairview Dr. In Carson City. In keeping with Joan’s wishes, the family requests that attendees wear colors other than black, preferring a colorful celebration of her life. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to RSVP to Elizabeth Quintero at 775-350-0232.
