Fatima L Wilkins

Fatima L. Johnson Wilkins, affectionately known as “Fay,” was born on September 8, 1944, to the late William and Lilla Mae Johnson. Raised in Washington, D.C., Fay was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School.

She later married the late William “Billy” Wilkins, with whom she shared her life and many cherished memories.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Fay enjoyed a long career with the District of Columbia Government. After 31 years of faithful service, she retired in 1997. But retirement did not slow Fay down. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic, she also worked as a real estate agent and Avon representative. Fay believed in staying busy, making things happen, and putting her talents to good use.

Faith was an important part of Fay’s life. She became a member of Second New St. Paul Baptist Church in 1954 and remained a devoted member for more than 70 years. Throughout the years, she faithfully served her church in numerous capacities, including the No. 2 Usher Board and as the Sarai Team Leader for the Women’s Day Committee, among many other ministries and activities.

Those who knew Fay also knew that she was the “fundraising queen.” She had a gift for bringing people together in support of a good cause, organizing countless bus trips and other fundraising efforts for her church, school, family reunions, and other activities close to her heart. When Fay had a goal in mind, she knew how to rally people together and make it happen.

That same spirit extended to her family. Fay treasured opportunities to gather with those she loved and was often instrumental in bringing everyone together for cookouts, birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. To Fay, family was something to be celebrated, and she helped create countless memories that will remain with them for generations.

On September 9, 2026, one day after celebrating her 82nd birthday, Fay peacefully departed this life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William “Billy” Wilkins; her parents, William and Lilla Mae Johnson; her siblings, Kenneth Johnson and Beverly Brown; her nephew, Delaney “Man” Johnson; and her beloved godchildren, Leon Hendricks, Jr. and Debbie Webb.

Fay leaves to cherish her memory her nieces, Wanda Johnson, Trinnetta “Trina” Porter, and Antoinette Sakamsa; her nephews, Daniel Johnson and Dean Porter; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Paris Porter, Tachiana Corbett, Delaney Porter, Simone Porter, and Raleigh Johnson; her great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Ryan Davis, Cali Boatwright, Londyn Porter, and Christian Boatwright; her special cousin, Shirley Jones; and a loving circle of cousins, extended family, church family, and dear friends.

Fay’s love for family, devotion to her church, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.