Constance 'Connie' Marie Wilkins Arduini was born November 26, 1948, to Wayne and Farris 'Putsye' Wilkins, and passed away at age 77 on June 29, 2026, succumbing to brain trauma due to a fall.

Connie graduated from East High School in 1966 where she attended from kindergarten through 12th grade, creating lifelong friendship bonds.

She began her career at the young age of 19 at Memphis Bank and Trust, then worked at NSA, National Safety Associates, before moving to Dallas where she worked at Sedco Drilling.  After moving back to Memphis, two of the law firms Connie worked were Wolff Ardis and Farris Bobango Brandan.  She was legal assistant to Bob Miller for 30 years.  Connie's careers in Dallas and Memphis created many long-lasting friendships.

Connie lived in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis for 20+ years with her husband Chris Arduini until his passing in 2004 and then with her husband James 'Jimmy' McCown, her soulmate, who passed away in 2025. Jimmy and Connie loved to go to the Bop Club and would clear the floor when they danced.

Connie participated in the annual Cooper Young Festival, and the Cooper Young Garden Club while creating more lasting friendships. Connie and Jimmy's yard was a showplace evidenced by the annual Cooper Young Garden Walk, and their home an eclectic work of art inside and out. They hosted many impromptu gatherings, i.e., parties, during neighborhood events.

Connie also enjoyed regular games with her girls' Poker group.

An avid reader beginning at a young age, Connie instilled the love of books in her nieces.

Many thanks to the doctors and the entire Neuro ICU staff and 5th floor nurses at St Francis Hospital East for their professionalism, tenderness, and caring attendance to all of Connie's medical needs.   Appreciation also goes to the staff at Methodist Hospice Residence for the comfort shown to me and Connie during her remaining days.

Thanks to the behind-the-scenes figures who have been key in helping navigate this process and answering many questions…you know who you are. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, love and support during this time.

Connie had such a kind spirit helping others, always smiling, always welcoming neighbors and friends into their home.  The best sister and aunt anybody could wish for!

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has made Connie whole once again. How great Thou art!

Connie is survived by her sister Kathy Wilkins McMath Daniel, nieces Rachel McMath Rosenberg (David), and Cecily Marie McMath, great nieces Emily Easley and Penny Rosenberg (Hailey), close family friend Steve Rogers, and numerous cousins. She leaves her beloved one-eyed cat, Summer.

High Point Funeral Home has charge of cremation.

A Memorial Service will be held July 19, 2026 at High Point Funeral Home with visitation at 1:00 and service at 2:00, followed by a Celebration of Life at Chimes and Occasions located at 201 Cooper St, 38104

Connie's favored organizations for donations include:

National Scleroderma Foundation           scleroderma.org

Street Dog Foundation                  streetdogfoundation.org

Grace House of Memphis            gracehouseofmemphis.org