Pine Bluff, Arkansas (September 1, 2023) – Dr. Josetta Edwards Wilkins, a dedicated educator, esteemed counselor, and visionary stateswoman, passed away at the age of 92 on August 25, 2023, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science Hospital, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Her impactful career encompassed roles as a school teacher, school counselor, college professor, and Arkansas State Legislator. Serving in the Arkansas State Legislature from 1991 to 1998, she championed vital legislation such as the Arkansas Breast Cancer Act of 1997, which secured over $71 million for breast cancer education, mammography, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 128,000 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.
Dr. Wilkins’ commitment to breast cancer awareness led to the creation of the Josetta E. Wilkins Chair at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences – Arkansas Cancer Research Center (UAMS – ACRC) in 2003. Her impact was further commemorated with the naming of the Jefferson County Health Unit as the Dr. Josetta E. Wilkins Health Unit. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Commission, the Character Bill, and the UAPB Stadium Bill. She served as chair of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus in 1997-98.
“We have been blessed with the opportunity to know such an iconic figure in our community,” said Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson. “Dr. Josetta Wilkins has made significant contributions to the State of Arkansas and Pine Bluff/Jefferson County that will be forever remembered and forged in the minds of our citizens young and old that will make us so proud of Dr. Josetta Wilkins’ legacy.“
“Dr. Josetta Wilkins was an amazing woman and a giant of a leader,” said Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman, Surgical Oncologist. “She changed the face of healthcare for women in Arkansas and
has saved countless lives. I will miss her and so will Arkansas, but she will be remembered and felt by Arkansans for generations.”
To honor her memory, a Balloon Release event will be held on September 14, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Dr. Josetta E. Wilkins Health Unit located at 3801 S. Hickory Street in Pine Bluff.
Public visitation will be held on September 15 at 5 p.m. at the Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and funeral services are scheduled for September 16 at 12 p.m. at the New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff.
Attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Henry & Josetta Wilkins Endowment Fund at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in memory of Dr. Josetta E. Wilkins.
UAPB News 
Dr. Josetta Edwards Wilkins’ life was exemplified with hardwork, successes, and celebrations. May The Almighty God grant eternal peace. Amen