Shelley Wilkinson

Shelley Joe Wilkinson, 79, of Waco, passed away peacefully July 31, 2022, in Fort Worth, surrounded by his loving and faithful family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 125 Turner St., in Waco, with visitation an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Doris Miller Memorial Cemetery.

His life’s journey began in Leona, Texas, in 1942. He was the younger of two boys born to Quincy Davis and Croal Lester Wilkinson, Sr. His family later moved to Waco, Texas, where he graduated from G.W. Carver High School and became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. After graduating high school, Shelly Joe enlisted in the United States Army and became a designated rifle LM-14 Marksman. He also attended Paul Quinn College.

Shelley Joe was full of life. He had a reputation for being a savvy businessman, as well as a handsome, charming, and stylish man who dressed sharply for every occasion in his trademark suits and hats. He was also known to be the life and soul of any social gathering. He enjoyed spending time with friends, watching football, westerns, detective shows, and listening to the Blues. His charismatic personality and infectious smile won the hearts of everyone he encountered and embraced. He accepted Christ at a young age and on March 3, 2022, he would once more surrender his life to the Savior.

He faced and overcame numerous challenges throughout his life. One of his most significant challenges began in 1998, when he received a heart transplant. Doctors gave him ten years to live. But God granted him 24. He faced obstacles in life with a smile and remarkable strength and courage. His fortitude, tenacity, and smile will continue to inspire us all.

Although his earthly journey has come to an end, his heavenly one has begun. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. May we find comfort and serenity in knowing that he is peacefully resting in the hands of our Lord and Savior.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Croal (Chris) Lester Wilkinson, Jr.; and cousin, Henry Wilkerson. Shelley is survived by his former wife and forever friend, Brenda Phenix Wilkinson; daughters, LaTonya Woodall and husband, Vernon, Michelle Wilkinson, Rhonda Wilkinson-Jaynes and husband, Rodney, and Greta Holtzclaw; grandchildren, Shellenie, Mashaila, Darien, Daria, Braeden, Janae, Tanitra, Aunica, Mckenzie, Daniel III, and Jewel; great-grandchildren, Princeton, Darien II, Christian (CJ), Kennedy, Egypt, Eden, Alijah, Alex, Aliyah, Sereyah and Analise; cousins, Faye Wallace, Tabertha McGowan, Teaberta Black, and Rhonda Benton; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJ