On Friday, February 22, 2019, at 8:18 p.m., God called another precious child home – Ara Wilkerson, age 74, of Lufkin, Texas. She leaves behind a son, James Elvin Wilkerson and wife Cindy; a daughter, Betty Jean Masters and husband Billy; grandchildren Kristi Wilkerson (2 children – Samantha and Cody Stanley); Cassie Parrish and husband Chris (2 children – Cameron and Chloe); Jerry Wilkerson and wife Brianna (2 children – Jerry, Jr. “Nooni” and James “Roo”); Heather Wilkerson (3 children – Cali Kendrick, and Kimber and Madison); Janet Masters; Josh Masters and wife Sarah (6 children – Ein, Abby, Paisley, Lincoln, Rhett, and Olivian), brother Edward Terrell and wife Joyce; sisters Juanice Adkins, Billie Coronado and husband Freddie, as well as many cherished family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband James Earl Wilkerson, son Ronald Earl Wilkerson, parents Horace and Meda Belle Terrell, step-father Lewis Sowell brother Horace Terrell, Jr., sister Dortha Terrell, as well as numerous family members and friends.
If there is one sentence to sum up her life, it would have to be “SHE LOVED WELL!” We will remember the good times, the fun times, her laughter, her sense of humor, her strength, her courage, and especially her love for God and her love for us! She was a faithful wife, the best mother in the world, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember her as being the “fun one”! She loved children – hers and everyone else’s. I guess you could say that was her hobby. It’s what brought her so much joy! She also loved her God and knew He loved her, even with all her shortcomings. She loved being involved in her small country church where everyone knew “Mrs. Ara” always had a smile and a hug for them.
Mama took her last breath here on earth and the next in Paradise. What a joy to know how incredibly fast she passed from this corrupted temporary world into the arms of Jesus. She was never alone in this process. She closed her eyes here on earth and awoke in the arms of God the Father. Her youth was restored, her health was restored, and her memory was restored. She remembers her family now and how much they love her, and she only forgets the pain and sorrow she faced throughout her physical life because there is no pain and sorrow where she is. Enter into your rest, Mama! We’ll see you soon!!
She will be escorted to her final resting place by Billy Masters, Josh Masters, Jerry Wilkerson, Cody Stanley, Chester Wilkerson, and Wayne Johns. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ein Masters, Lincoln Masters, and Jerry “Nooni” Wilkerson, Jr.
Friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the service in the chapel of Gipson Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday February 27, 2019. Burial will be at Blackjack Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gipson Funeral Home.
