Susie Wilkening

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — Susan Lee "Susie" Wilkening was born May 17, 1955, in Lexington, Kentucky, the daughter of Dr. Ralph and Mary "Ann" Moss Gullett. She passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, in Santa Rosa Beach at the age of 67, after a long, extended illness.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John "Moss" Gullett.

She graduated from Fredericktown (Missouri) High School and received a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

She married her longtime love, Michael Wilkening, and they resided in and around Atlanta for many years before retiring to Destin, Florida.

Susie was a lifelong teacher and loved helping children. She and Mike also enjoyed many years traveling, attending concerts, exercising and staying fit. Susie loved aerobics, and was a coffee and music connoisseur. She loved baking and trying desserts. She was an incredible aunt to her nieces and great-nephews. She had a wonderful smile and laugh for everyone and will be greatly missed by all.

Susie is survived by her husband, Mike Wilkening of Santa Rosa Beach; sister, Linda Tallent of Destin; brother, Ralph Gullett Jr. of Los Angeles; brother-in-law, Terry Tallent of Destin; nieces, Julie Griffin of Decatur, Georgia, and Laura Tallent of St. Louis; and grandnephews, Sam and Theo Griffin.

A memorial service will be held at noon Friday, June 30, at United Methodist Church in Fredericktown, followed by interment at Marcus Memorial Park.