of North Little Rock, AR
January 10, 1923 - July 1, 2014
Herbert Jean Turner Wilkerson left this life on July 1, 2014, surrounded by her family. She had been living in North Little Rock for the past six years, near her daughter, Cherie Wilkerson. Jean was born on January 10, 1923 in Phillips County, Arkansas, to Fannie Sue Hicks Turner and Berry Ellis Turner. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Giley Wilkerson, her son, David Wilkerson, her parents, her brothers, B.E. ''Buck'' Turner, Nathan Turner, W. W. ''Bo'' Turner and her sister Marjorie Turner Butler. She is survived by her sons, Guy Alan Wilkerson (Cathy) of Strafford, Missouri and Steve Wilkerson of Lexa, Arkansas, her daughter, Cherie Wilkerson of Sherwood, Arkansas, Rita Wilkerson, daughter-in-law of Poplar Grove, Arkansas; grandchildren, Carrie Ann Rohrscheib (Jason Brewer), Jessica Wilkerson Presley, Ryan Rohrscheib, Josh Wilkerson (Kelley), Katy Rohrscheib Bland, Christine Westbrook, and Kayla Wilkerson; great-grandchildren Tyrus and Anya Presley, Skylar and Asa Bland, Ellis Brewer and Dylan Wilkerson.
Jean graduated from Marvell High School in 1942 and attended Arkansas Polytechnic College, now Arkansas Tech University, where she met her lifelong friend, Ellen ''Shorty'' Holloway. When World War II broke out Jean withdrew from school and joined the Navy Waves where she worked as a nurse's aide. After her two year tour in the Navy, Jean joined her friend Shorty Holloway in New York City, where she lived and worked for two years. Jean and Shorty had many adventures in New York City during that time. They were the proverbial "career women.'' Jean's strength, independence, fearlessness and sense of adventure are the precursor for her children's and grandchildren's success in life.
After two years in New York City, Jean moved back to Trenton , Arkansas and met and married Giley Wilkerson, where she was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Jean loved to garden and would have rather been out in her flower garden than anyplace on earth. Jean was a wonderful cook and loved to compete and play games with her children and grandchildren. There were many times she would compete with her children on the dirt basketball court in the back yard and win.
The family would like to thank the staff on C Wing of Northridge Healthcare for the constant and loving care of our mama and grandmama over the last three years. You have gone far and above your job duties and loved our mama as your family and we will forever be grateful.
Jean was our matriarch and her life will impact us forever. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. with service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday July 5, 2014 at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 603 Highway 243 Spur Road, Marvell, Arkansas 72366.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
Guy, Cherie, and Steve,
May the Lord give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Cheri and family,
My sincere regards and respect for you and your family at this time.
Jean
Jean will surely be missed. We had many, many hours and fun card playing with Jean and Wiley along with the Bloeshes. Had some fun trips also. You are all in our prayers.
Steve,
I was so sorry to hear of your Mom' passing. I will always remember her smile and what a pleasure it was to know both your parents. You and your family are in my prayers.
Steve and Sherry so sorry of your mothers passing. she always had a smile on her face. May the lord bless you in the days to come. Steve I,"m there if you need me. MICHAEL
Steve-Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you
Sincerely-
Tommy Ray and Gayle