William Matthew Wilkinson

Our son Matthew, our ‘gift from God’, was born on March 4, 1999. From that moment on, his incredible smile and pure joyous energy were always present. As he grew into a man, Matthew became an inspiration to his family for his courage and kindness. He loved deeply and unconditionally. He taught all of us what it meant to truly see the world with compassion. Diagnosed at age three with Autism, he navigated this world with grace and humility until the very end.

He loved a good story. He was an avid fan of both science fiction and fantasy genres. From an early age he would devour entire novels and watch movies many times over. This would inspire him to write his own versions of his favorite Star Wars or Marvel Universe tales and characters. Later, he developed an interest in computer and video games. He would be inspired to learn the software that creates those games in efforts to build his own versions. His imagination was as impressive as it was boundless.

Matthew also loved animals, of all varieties. But his favorite was our cocker spaniel, Gracie. They were inseparable. Whenever he had a bad day, he knew his pal would be there to cheer him up. The two of them walking our neighborhood were a common sight for fifteen years. We know they are reunited!

After graduating from Spain Park High School in 2017, Matthew worked as a software quality tester until he joined Bitty & Beau’s Coffee as a barista. The exceptional people there welcomed him with open arms, and he was so proud to join the crew. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia one week after starting his new adventure and battled that disease the remainder of his life.

Matthew was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Kerney Kornell Wilkinson and maternal grandfather ‘Poppie’ William Edmond Merritt Jr. He is survived by his parents, David and Trumi Wilkinson, sister Megan Wilkinson, grandmothers Charline Merritt and Laurain Wilkinson, and aunt Katie Wilkinson.

The family would like to thank all those who provided support, prayed for Matthew, and loved him over the years. They also wish to thank the entire medical staff of the UAB Hematology and Oncology Specialty Unit who cared for Matthew with such compassion and skill that they will forever be in our hearts. A special thank you to Dr. Eric Mashburn for his wonderful guidance and emotional support he provided to help Matthew find his way when the days would get dark.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6690 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242, followed by a memorial service for Matthew from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Donations may be made in Matthew’s memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, or Autism Society of Alabama.