James Edward Wilkerson, Sr. of Kennett, MO was born in Blytheville, Arkansas on September 17, 1959, to Frank Tyes, Sr. and Theodoria Sturghill. He attended school in the Blytheville School District and was the owner of Wilkerson Construction Company.
James was of the Baptist faith and served as a deacon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hayti, Missouri under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Chapmon. He was a lover of gospel music, and sang throughout Arkansas, Missouri and surrounding areas with his group the New Deliverance Gospel Quartet. He was also a promoter of gospel music.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Tyes, Sr. and Theodoria Sturghill Wilkerson, his siblings, Florence Shaw, Frank Tyes, Jr., F.W. Tyson, Freddie Lee Tyson, Floyd Tyes, Ethel Lee Norris, Henry Wilkerson, Jr., Gertrude Smith, Leroy Donnell Sturghill, Jesse Earl Tyes, Denise Toni Wilkerson.
James leaves to cherish memories, his wife, Debra Grant Wilkerson of Malden, Missouri, three sons, James (Tasha) Wilkerson, Jr. of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jonathan (Ashley) Wilkerson of Kennett, Missouri, and Leonard (Hillary) Burton of Kennett, Missouri, four daughters, Faye (Christopher) Castillo of Malden, Missouri, Shanda (Shon) Wilkerson of Kennett, Missouri, Byranda (Johnny) Wright of Malden, Missouri, and Jasimine Grant of Jonesboro, Arkansas, six brothers, Clarence Frazier of Chicago, Illinois, Anarion Frazier of Lansing, Michigan and Johnny Robert (Michelle) Wilkerson of Blytheville, Arkansas, Leroy Tyes of St. Louis, Missouri, William Tyes of South Bend, Indiana, and Eddie Tyes of Elkhart, Indiana, five sisters, Mary DeLois (Simon) Donald of Lansing, Michigan, Bertha Jean Curtis of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Willie Ruth Dawson of Lansing, Michigan, and Essie Jewel (Charles) James also of Lansing, Michigan, Sherry Tyes of South Bend, Indiana, A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, 32 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, six bonus siblings, Lynda, Bert, L.V., Dorothy, Joe and Leroy, two bonus children, Jamie Jennings and Toni Weatherspoon-Peoples, and long time friend, James Cowley.
The family will greet friends on Saturday, January 25,2025, from 12:00 until 1:00 at Frontline Family Outreach Ministries, 120 East Walnut Street, Blytheville, AR where the pastors are Raymond and Mary Golphin.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on January 25, 2025, at Frontline Family Outreach Ministries, Reverend Demetrius Smith of Mt. Carmel Community Church of Tuscaloosa, Alabama will deliver the eulogy with interment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Blytheville, AR.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mhfuneralhomeinc. or visit us on Facebook at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.
McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is in charge of services and arrangements.
Lue Clemons Johnson sent Sweet Moments for Mr. James Edward Wilkerson,Sr. - January 22, 2025
Debra, I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your husband James, and I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Lue and Percy Johnson
Every time I came home to Blytheville I would always see you or I would share a word on Facebook with you. I will miss that. Rest In Peace My Friend
I would like to offer my most heartfelt condolences to the family of James Wilkerson. You all are in our prayers.
Dear Mrs.Debra and Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. James was a remarkable person, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the love and support of those around you.
With heartfelt sympathy, Kay Fryer and Lenora Robinson
I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your husband James, and I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Mr. Ira "Chuck", Tyrone "Dirty", and Erica King send our condolences & prayers. Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal. Prayers to the family now & on the rest of the days ahead
A great man of God truly going to be missed
Marvin & Tracey Carr sends our Condolences to the Wilkerson Family. We pray that you all be comforted and encouraged.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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