Mr. Lester Wilkerson Sr.

Lester Wilkerson, Sr. was born on May 19, 1923 in Yazoo, Mississippi to the union of Henry and Inez Wilkerson. Lester received his formal education in Yazoo County school system, and attended Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi. Lester accepted Christ at an early age and recommitted his life to Jesus Christ as an adult in the presence of his grandson, Pastor Arthur Kennedy. He attended Calvary Missionary Baptist Church until late 1970s, and visited United Apostolic Church where his son Reginald attended. His favorite T.v. pastors were Dr. Tony Evans and Dr. Adrian Rodgers. Lester enlisted into the United States Army on June 8, 1943 and was honorably discharged on January 7,1946. In June 1946 he married the love of his life, Thelma Owens, in Jackson, Mississippi. They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in March 1948. Their union was blessed with 11 children. Lester worked at Allis Chalmers as a welder and crane operator until he retired. He also had his own hauling and trucking business where he worked for different companies. He worked well into his eighties, cleaning offices at places like the Jewish Community Center and Chudnow Law Firm. In his leisure, Lester enjoyed hunting, traveling, watching sports, cowboy shows and spending time with family and friends. He loved taking the family on long rides through the country, drive-in movies and State Fair. He also enjoyed listening to country music. Lester went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 19, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Inez Wilkerson; twin brothers, Y.T. and D.C.; younger brother, James Wilkerson; wife, Thelma Wilkerson; daughters, Linda Kennedy and Lessie Wilkerson; son, Lester Wilkerson, Jr.; grandson, William Ray Kennedy, Jr. Lester was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters, Patricia (Henry) Hubbert, Phillis (Anthony) Stubbs and Katherine (Joseph) Spencer; sons, Henry (Veronica) Wilkerson, Kenneth Wilkerson, Donald Wilkerson, Reginald (Violet) Wilkerson and Calvin (Debra) Wilkerson, all of Milwaukee, WI; sisters-in-law, Peggy and Susan Owens of Milwaukee, WI and Carolyn Owens of Jackson, MS; brother-in-law, Perry (Josie) Owens of Salt Lake City, UT; daughter-in-law, Ernestine Wilkerson of Milwaukee, WI; son-in-law, William Ray Kennedy, Sr. of Milwaukee, WI; 26 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Lester Wilkerson Sr.

May 19, 1923 - February 19, 2018