Franklin Alvin Wilkerson, 73, of Greensboro went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. A private graveside service was held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensboro.
Frank was born December 7, 1950, in Greensboro, where he spent most of his life, to John Bert and Tommie Lee (Barnette) Wilkerson. After graduating from Southern Academy (Class of 1969), he attended and graduated from Livingston University. After college, he went into insurance sales and later, retired from Spiller Furniture Company in Greensboro. Frank loved sports. He played softball for many many years and was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan. He was instrumental in introducing sports to all his nieces and nephews. Afternoons of family get togethers were always spent playing baseball or football in front of the old homeplace. Frank loved history, especially Civil War history and family history. He had a gift for remembering names and how people are related, and he also knew the exact time of any location in the world at any moment. Saturday mornings, he could be found at the Mustang Oil in town, drinking coffee and catching up on the news. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him. Frank loved life, people, and he loved his family. He loved his wife Vanessa’s home cooking. In the afternoons after retirement, he could often be found swinging on the porch with Vanessa by his side. He was a special man and will be missed by many.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald Wilkerson; sister, Janna Sue Wilkerson Souders; nieces,Deborah Wilkerson Dunton and Celia Frix.
Frank is survived by his wife of 48 years, Vanessa Hodo Wilkerson; son, John Bert Wilkerson II and partner, Tyler Pinegar; sisters, Barbara Wilkerson Frix and Joyce Wilkerson Weeden; and a host of many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers , memorials may be made to Mount Hermon United Methodist Church in Greensboro.
