Joan Marilyn Wilkerson

Joan was born on September 4, 1936, in Rogers, Arkansas, to Arthur Clarence and Elsie Lenora Thomas Summers. She shared her early years on a farm with her fraternal twin brother, Joe Eugene Summers, and their 11 siblings.

On May 16, 1955, Joan married Billy Arch Wilkerson, Sr., and together they built a loving family that grew to include five children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Joan retired from Emerson Electric in 1995 as the first woman to hold a supervisory position at the company—a testament to her determination and leadership.

She was a loving mother who supported her children and grandchildren in every way and loved them unconditionally. She enjoyed cooking, especially baking and making chocolate chip cookies and pies. She cherished time spent with family and loved going to watch her grandchildren play sports. She loved watching Razorback football and cheering them on every season. She will always be remembered as a kind, loving, and compassionate person willing to help anyone who needed her.

Throughout her entire life she was a devoted follower of Christ. She was a lifelong member of Brightwater United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and formed lasting friendships within her church community.

Joan is survived by her sister Marietta Hampsten of Palm Desert, California; her five children: Billy Wilkerson Jr. and Eileen, Martha Owen, Benton Wilkerson—all of Rogers, Arkansas—Marilyn Sears and Richard of Garfield, Arkansas; and Marsha Kelso and Dennis of Lexington, South Carolina; as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Arch Wilkerson Sr., four brothers, and six sisters.

Joan will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. Although she is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Brightwater United Methodist Church, in Joan's honor.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.'" – John 11:25-26