Carolyn Cobb Wilkinson died peacefully at her home in Washington, DC on October 6, 2024, at the age of 94. With courage and grace, she battled multiple sclerosis for decades as well as dementia in recent years. She was a devoted wife and proud mother of three children, and a woman of many talents and interests. She loved the arts including theatre, music, painting, and dancing.
Carolyn was born in Washington DC on April 11, 1930, to renowned anatomist and civil rights activist, W. Montague Cobb, and Hilda Cobb, a dedicated District of Columbia public school educator. She graduated from Dunbar High School in the class of 1947 where she was a member of the Honor Society, and from Mount Holyoke College in 1951.
In June 1951, Carolyn wed Robert "Bob" S. Wilkinson, Jr., which was the start of a beautiful 73- year marriage. While he attended New York University Medical School, she worked as a lab technician at New York Hospital and later at B. Altman and Co. Upon the births of their children, Amy Elizabeth Wilkinson, Karin Lynn Wilkinson, and Robert Montague "Monty" Wilkinson she became a caring homemaker.
In the 1970's, Carolyn poured her energy into serving as a docent at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. She spent years providing tours to school children from throughout the Washington, DC area explaining various exhibits. Indeed, this work became her true passion. During this period, she also served on the Smithsonian Women's Committee.
Carolyn was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Amelia Cobb Gray. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob, children Amy (Jack Gardner), Karin, and Monty (Yolanda Townsend), granddaughters Kelly and Alexandra Wilkinson, a nephew and several cousins.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the National MS Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891 or online at nationalmssociety.org or to the Smithsonian Women's Committee, PO Box 37012 MRC 527, Washington, DC 20013-7012 or online at support.si.edu.

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