Cecelia Walker Wilkerson, the third child of William and Channie Walker, was born in Norfolk, VA on December 29, 1928. Our beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt, and Grandmother passed peacefully and unexpectedly into God’s care on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.
As a young child, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and started attending First Calvary Baptist Church of Norfolk, VA where she became an active member. As a member, Cecelia served in various capacities including assuming some of the duties of the Church Clerk, President of the Woman’s Club, A. R. Caesar Sunday School Class, Vacation Bible School, and the Kitchen Committee when needed. Most recently she was a member of the Pastoral Search Committee. Cecelia was a past member of the Teller’s Committee and the Reception Committee.
After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Cecelia attended Norfolk State University and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Elementary Education. She taught in the Norfolk Public School System and retired after 30 years of service. During her tenure she received many awards and recognitions from students, peers, and administrators for her excellent service. Some of them were: member, All City Teaching Team; School Bell Award; 1988-89 Teacher of the Year; mentor, Norfolk Public Schools.
Cecelia was an avid cook and enjoyed preparing scrumptious dishes for her family and friends. Hallmarks of her cooking were her homemade rolls and mac and cheese. During her early years, she loved to dance – an activity that carried over into her eighties as she became a relentless Senior Line Dancer.
She loved helping others and donated funds to approximately 20 different charities. She also enjoyed serving her community as evidenced by her membership in various local organizations. She was an active member of The Fernwood Farms Civic League, The Chesapeake Women’s Club, The Virginia Beach Chapter of Les Gemmes, Church Women United, and the NSU Brambleton Seniors.
Cecelia's memory shall be cherished by two sons, Joseph Wilkerson, Jr. and Donald Wilkerson of North Carolina; a daughter, Denise W. Glenn of Chesapeake, Virginia; one sister, Barbara Merritt of Virginia Beach and a brother, Earl Walker of Shaker Heights, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Lambert of Virginia Beach, VA and Grace Walker of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
To send flowers to the family of Cecelia Elizabeth Wilkerson (Walker), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
