With the start of a new life, Mary Wilkerson crossed over from earth to glory at 5:30 a.m., she boarded train number 2013, car number 7, took the 27th seat and the train moves on. Her work is finished. Our mother who will be missed by many, for she was a loved person.
Ms. Wilkerson was born Dec. 21, 1941 in Appling County to the late Robert Russell, Sr. and the late Audrey Russell. Mary accepted Christ at an early age. Mary was united in holy matrimony to Jessie Lee Wilkerson, Sr., who preceded her in death. To this union five children were born: Theodore (Patsy) Wilkerson of Baxley, Jessie L. Wilkerson of Delray Beach, FL, David Wilkerson of Brunswick, Carletha (Charles) Coley and Audrey M. Wilkerson of Baxley, a stepson, Willie Fred (Christine) Gaffey; and a special friend of the family, Kim Johnson of Brunswick.
She is also survived by two brothers, Robert Russell of Savannah and Willie Lee (Fannie) Russell of Baxley; four sisters, Willie Mae Russell of Albany, Rosetta Smith of Tampa, FL, Jettie Baldwin of Hinesville and Beatrice Russell of Albany; one half-sister, Patricia Ann (Willie) Green of DeQuincy, LA; two sisters-in-law, Clara M. Russell and Mattie J. Russell of Baxley; one aunt, Kate Paulk of Brunswick; a special niece, Retha Artis of Baxley; 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; also special friends, Guyton (Linda) Weatherly of Tampa, FL, Lisa Weatherly of Atlanta and Fred Murray of Gainesville, FL.
Brothers, Leroy, James and Thomas L. Russell and sisters, Dora Williams and Gloria McDuffee, preceded Mary in death.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 2 at St. Paul Church of God In Christ in Surrency with Superintendent James Futch officiating. Eulogy was given by Prophet Joshua Wilkerson.
Active pallbearers were nephews and grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers were Church of God In Christ Missionary Society.
Musical selections were rendered by Kimberly Wilkerson, Natasha Artis and the choir.
Brown Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.