Elaine Wilkins
December 24, 1954 ~ June 14, 2026
Born in:
Steubenville, Ohio
Resided in:
Weirton, West Virginia
Elaine Wilkins, 71, of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 14, 2026. May her memory be eternal.
Born on December 24, 1954, in Steubenville, Ohio, Elaine was the youngest of three daughters born to the late Harry A. and Rose Volakis Stakias.
A 1972 graduate of Weir High School, Elaine continued her education at West Liberty State College and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Dayton. She devoted more than three decades to the field of education, teaching Language Arts in Hancock County Schools. Throughout her distinguished career, she served at Weirton Heights Elementary School, Weir Middle School, and Liberty Elementary School. She also owned and operated Wilkins Family Restaurant in Weirton for 12 years.
Elaine was known for her direct and straightforward nature, qualities that earned both the respect and admiration of those around her. She was a dedicated educator whose students adored her. Though she had no children of her own, she loved her students as if they were family, and the impact she made on their lives will be remembered for generations.
A lifelong member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, Elaine remained devoted to her faith and church community throughout her life.
In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Charles J. “Joe” Wilkins, who passed away on August 10, 2014; and her nephew, Justin Anthony Brown, who passed away on September 17, 2016.
She is survived by her sisters, Harriet (Gary) Mastromichalis and Stephanie Brown; her nephews, Dr. Michael (Andrea) Mastromichalis and Lenny (Courtney) Brown; her niece, Jacqueline (Juan) Munoz; her sister-in-law, Renee Anderson.
Private funeral services will be conducted at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, with Fr. Matthew Moore presiding. Elaine will be laid to rest beside her husband, Joe, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton, WV.
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Elaine Wilkins 's name.
Mrs. Wilkins was absolutely one of my FAVORITE teachers at Weir Middle in the 90s. Her zesty personality and love for her job and students helped influence me to become a teacher myself. God rest her soul!
I was very sad to see this today! Elaine was a very sweet lady!! Back in the day we had a lot of fun when we would go out to the Holiday Inn on the weekends dancing and talking to everyone! She was also an amazing teacher to my daughter at the middle school! Nikki was very shy and Elaine would look out for her always!! Elaine our love for you will continue!! RIP ELAINE and fly high!! ❤️😢
Harriet, Stephanie, & family,
I’m so saddened by this news. Please know how many students she influenced in her career…..she was a special person. Prayers & condolences to you all.
Mrs Mastromichalis, Mrs. Brown and families,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember our years working together at Liberty School with fun and fond memories. You are all in my prayers. May her memory be eternal and her soul dwell with the blessed. ☦️
Kathy (Tucker) Kuzior
I’m so sorry for your loss! Elaine was a wonderful person. Prayers for her family!
Stephanie, Harriet and Family,
You have our deepest sympathy on your loss. Elaine was a wonderful, vivacious person and we have many fond memories over the years of our Sunday morning breakfasts at Wilkins’ Family Restaurant.
Sincerely,
Michael and Kathy Ballato
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. You shaped so many of us during those formative years at school—you made the difference when it mattered most. Your kindness, patience, and genuine care stayed with us long after we left your classroom. That impact doesn’t fade.
I hold good memories of you, and I know your family feels the weight of this moment acutely right now. Please know that people you touched are thinking of you,
I was so saddened to hear this news. She was the absolute best. A great teacher & a great person all around. She was definitely special & made everyone around her feel as though they were. My deepest sympathy to all her family. May her memory be eternal.
Prayers and love for the family