Margaret Amy Hartmann Wilkey, affectionately known as Amy, passed away peacefully at her home in Paducah, Kentucky, on August 22, 2026. She was born on January 17, 1942, in Iowa City, Iowa, and throughout her 84 years brought warmth, faith, and creativity to all who knew her.
Amy was the daughter of Frank George Hartmann and Alma Grant Hartmann, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up on a farm surrounded by a large, loving family, and her ties with her siblings shaped much of her compassionate nature. She is survived by her sisters Jean Briles, Nita Price, Ann Gorsch (Amy's twin sister), Janice Baker, and her beloved friend and sister at heart, Flo Schmidt.
Preceding her in death were her siblings Frank George Hartmann, Rose Cooper, Fay Estes, Ellen Blutcher, and Joyce Hamby.
Amy’s life was deeply rooted in faith—a faith that guided her every decision and filled her days with purpose and generosity. She attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, where she would meet her husband, Gordon Wilkey and together they would serve as missionaries to Brazil, answering a calling that would shape the rest of her days. Though she left for the mission field just six months shy of graduation, her commitment to serving others far eclipsed any academic accolade she might have received. In 1963, Amy and her beloved husband, Rev Gordon Wilkey, embarked on their mission together. They remained married for 61 years, a partnership forged in shared purpose and devotion until his passing.
Together, Amy and Gordon dedicated themselves to the people of Brazil, where Amy was lovingly known as “Dna Emi” by many whose lives she touched. She created lessons for Vacation Bible School, complete drawings to illustrate stories from the bible and crafts, a testament to her creativity and her tireless efforts for the community. The couple’s routine visits to an orphanage in Brazil led to the blessing of adopting their twin daughters Kristi and Karri, a story indicative of Amy’s boundless love and readiness to open her heart and home.
Family was always at the center of Amy’s world. She found deep pride and joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, naming them among her proudest accomplishments. Amy is survived by her sons Keith Wilkey (Leia) of Hickory, Kenneth Wilkey (Terri) of Chattanooga, TN, Karl Wilkey (Lisa) of Clinton, and Klinton Wilkey (Sheila) of Chattanooga, TN, as well as her daughters Kristi Wilkey (Gretchen Roof) of Paducah and Karri Koebel (Charlie) of Draffenville. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and soon to be eight great-grandchildren in December of 2026. Her faithful dog Spooky, whom she considered a gift and a special companion after Gordon’s passing, also survives her.
Amy’s legacy of love is paralleled by her reputation as a nurturing, artistic spirit. She was always so joyful and would get so excited by the smallest things. She was known for her ability to sew and crochet, creating handcrafted items for countless new babies in Brazil. An accomplished and unassuming artist, Amy filled her home with completed jigsaw puzzles and handmade decorations, rarely taking credit for the talent that so clearly enriched every aspect of her life. She loved gardening, and it seemed that everything she touched flourished. Family and friends recall with fondness her uncanny ability to prepare a delicious meal in no time—a skill that brought comfort and togetherness to many gatherings.
Material possessions never drew Amy’s attention; instead, she devoted her energies to uplifting others, prioritizing the needs of souls over worldly goods. Acts of kindness characterized her daily life, she was always ready to share and give to those in need.
Amy’s spiritual devotion was unwavering. A longtime member of Southland Baptist Temple, she held her Bible close, allowing its words to steer the course of her days. She was deeply spiritual, regularly observing periods of fasting and prayer, never for show but as a quiet, personal conversation with the Lord. Her deepest prayer was always to reach hearts for Jesus, and leading others to Christ was the mission that defined her life and legacy.
Family and faith were inseparable in the Wilkey home. When Gordon graduated from Bible college, Amy still had six months before her own degree was complete. Undeterred, she joined him on the mission field of Brazil with baby Keith in tow, giving birth to Kenneth just two months into their new life abroad. Through the years, their story became a testament to unwavering commitment and the enduring power of faith, love, and service.
Amy is also remembered by a number of extended family and loved ones, including sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and those who have gone before; brothers-in-law, Elec Cooper; Ralph Blutcher; Robert Estes; Ralph Briles; Donald Price; Larry Gorsch; Duane Baker; sister-in-law, Agnes Hartmann.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Southland Baptist Temple, 927 Yarbro Ln., Paducah, Kentucky, 42003, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., also at Southland Baptist Temple, with Bro. Homer Fletcher and Bro. Jonathan Goodman officiating. Interment will take place at Edmonds Cemetery, Silver Mine Road, Smithland, Kentucky.
Amy’s selfless spirit, loving nature, and unwavering faith touched innumerable lives across continents and generations. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and devotion—a radiant testament to a life well lived and a heart surrendered to service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will continue to inspire and guide.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southland Baptist Temple's missions fund in honor of Ms. Amy. These gifts will directly support missionaries carrying on the work of the Lord worldwide.
Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wilkey family.
