Shirley Wilkerson, 85, passed peacefully from this life and met her Savior face to face Sunday, December 20, 2020. She was born November 24, 1935, in Gorman, Texas to Charlie Marnevil Winkles and Mary Harris Winkles. Shirley married her loving husband of sixty seven years, Billy Wilkerson, September 5, 1953 in De Leon, Texas.

Shirley was a lifelong resident of De Leon and a lifetime member of De Leon First Baptist Church. Shirley loved her church and her church family dearly. She was highly active within the church serving as a Sunday School teacher and on the funeral bereavement committee, as well as other church committees. Shirley and Bill were always entrepreneurs. They owned and operated many different businesses over the years including the Da-Nite Grocery Store, Wilkerson Super Markets, and multiple rental properties. Shirley loved her community and always volunteered her time in service of others. She served in various civic organizations throughout the De Leon community including the Annual Peach and Melon Festival (always hosting the Queen's Tea ceremony), the De Leon Historical Society, De Leon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA), De Leon Study Club, De Leon Beautification Committee, and served as an Election Official for many years. Shirley was always looking for ways to help others, especially those less fortunate.

Shirley had a witty personality and brought cheer wherever she was! She was a wonderful storyteller and could share so much knowledge about the history of De Leon. Shirley enjoyed flowers, everything watermelon, cooking and baking. She was a true and loving companion to Bill, a selfless mother, a doting grandmother, loving aunt, and sister. She will be deeply missed by her family, her many friends, and the De Leon community.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter, D'Lana (Bob) Motta; son, Marney (Cheri) Wilkerson; grandchildren; Caitlin (Tomas) Solano, Conner Wilkerson, Cara (Garrett) Christianson, and Katie (Erik) Anderson; sister, Helen Frederick; special niece, Tonya (Jesse) Bernard; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Shirley has been reunited with her parents, Charlie and Mary Winkles; and her brother, Glen "Grape" Winkles.

Funeral services celebrating Shirley's life were held Sunday, December 27, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Daniel Harper officiating. Interment followed in De Leon Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Rowdy Wilkerson, Nicky Don Wilkerson, Mark Wilkerson, Doug Wilkerson, Keith Wilkerson and Layne Marlow. Honorary pallbearers were Mac Glazier, Mike Huddleston, Joe Bob Huddleson, Stacy Smith, Ronald Wilkerson, Tim Beaty, Brad Bettis, Toney Prather, Mark Nowlin, Ernie Escamilla, and Rick Morgan. The Wilkerson family suggest that donations be made to the De Leon Historical Society, in honor of Shirley.

For friends and family unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available: fbcdeleon.org/live-stream.

Per Comanche County current Covid19 restrictions, First Baptist Church facilities are limited to 50% occupancy. Overflow rooms will be available if needed. Masks are required.