Theodoria Wilkerson

Thursday, January 30, 2014

On Wednesday Jan. 22, 2014, Theodoria completed her journey and departed this life, surrounded by family and loved ones in Lansing, Mich., at Sparrow Hospital. Theodoria was born Feb. 13, 1924, in Gilmore, Ark., to Essie Mae and Franklin Ben Sturghill. Theodoria was a faithful member of Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor L.B. Burton/Anthony Burton for over 56 years.

Theodoria was truly blessed and was also known as "Granny" to thousands. There was nowhere that she went that she didn't have a Pastor in the area and family to shower her with love. She was employed with the Westbrooks family for over 42 years. Theodoria also worked at the Blytheville Chickasaw Hospital and was known for caring for many relatives who fell ill over the years. She enjoyed traveling to spend time with her family, volunteering at New Mount Olive Baptist Church and cooking for many.

Theodoria loved helping others and would sometimes go as far as sending plates all over the city of Blytheville. This is what she loved to do!

In December 2012 Granny relocated to Lansing, Mich., where she resided for over a year.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Essie Mae Sturghill-Howard, Franklin Ben Sturghill and Major Howard Sr.; her husband, Henry Wilkerson Sr.; Her daughters, Denise Toni Wilkerson and Gertrude Wilkerson-Smith; Her brothers Ocie Howard, Rev. James Sturghill, Henry Sturghill and Wilroy Sturghill; Her sisters, Claudia Wallace and Verna-Mae Jones; her grandsons, Roger Smith and Evans Ware; and a dear friend and sister, Alberta Tate.

She leaves to cherish her memory twelve children Ethel Norris, Anarion Frazier, Henry (and Ruby) Wilkerson, Jewel (and Charles) James, Willie Dawson, Mary "Lois" (and Simon) Donald, Leroy Sturghill and Jessie Tyes, all of Lansing, Mich., Bertha (and Wilbert) Curtis of Benton Harbor, Mich., Clarence Frazier of Chicago, Johnny Wilkerson of Blytheville, and James (and Deborah) Wilkerson of Malden, Mo.;

Three brothers and two sisters, Leo (and Joann) Howard and the Rev. Major Howard Jr., both of Chicago, Willie Mae (and the Rev. Lawrence) Echols of Blytheville, Otis Howard and Annie Ruth (and Allen) George, both of Galveston, Texas;

Special God Children (Children Of Alberta Tate);

Sixty-three grandchildren, 160 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great-grandchildren; and

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation for Mother Wilkerson will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Progressive M.B. Church, 800 W. McHaney, in Blytheville. Funeral services are as follows: Saturday, February 1, 2014, Visitation Hour 1 p.m., Funeral Service at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1630 West Street, Blytheville, with Pastor Johnnie E. Moore officiating. The pastor is Anthony Burton. Interment will be in Memorial Garden Cemetery.