Joseph L. Wilkins

On Thursday July 28, 2022, God spoke to the soul of Joseph Louis Wilkins bidding him to come home for his eternal rest beyond the heavens. Joseph Louis Wilkins, affectionately known as Joe or Pop, was born to Mable Wilkins and Milton Seymour on May 28, 1937, in Cambridge, Maryland. Joe graduated from Maces’ Lane High School in 1955. During his senior year of High School, Joe’s melodious voice earned him 2nd place in the Maryland State singing competition. Joe was not only gifted vocally, he also shared his musical talents through his love of the Bass Guitar with the House Rockettes Band of Eastern Shore, Maryland. On November 27, 1960, Joe married the love of his life, Peggy Ann Sullivan and they were blessed to share their lives together for more than 61 years. God complemented this union with their two children, Michael Lee and Ellanna Jonelle Wilkins. He was a hard-working man dedicated to providing and protecting his family. He was employed with several local lumber companies before he began his career with The United States Gypsum Corporation from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. However, Joe was always on the move and moved right into another career one week later with Broadway Services, Inc. at Johns Hopkins University, from which he retired for the final time in 2006. Joe accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at a young age. As a child he attended Bethel AME in Cambridge, Maryland. Joe was faithful in ministry and served as a dedicated member to the Trinity AME Church, Wilson Park Christian Community Church and Called to Action Ministries, each of them located in Baltimore Maryland. When Joe and Peggy moved to Georgia, they became members of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lawrenceville. Joe’s location never prevented him from finding a church home that welcomed him with open arms. His faithfulness was honored when he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Josephine Truxon-Ridgley, Called to Action Ministries. Joe loved family gatherings and preparing holiday meals. He loved fishing, football and bowling. Joe was so enthusiastic about bowling that he joined the Trinity AME bowling league. Joe had a voice anointed by God that blessed many. He served as a dedicated member of both the Trinity AME and Wilson Park Male choruses. His distinctive vocal style caused many to refer to him as “The Singing Deacon”. The Male chorus’s attire blended perfectly with Joe’s classic style of dressing which he inherited from his father Milton and later passed on that same iconic fashion sense to his grandson Mark, who traveled with him to many of his singing engagements. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Peggy; his two children Michael and Ellanna; 8 grandchildren: Antonio Speaks, Cory Wilkins, Quiana Wilkins, Brittany Campbell, Mark Makai, Captain O’schae Burris, United States Airforce, Jordan Wilkins, and Simone Wilkins; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; his brother, Dana Clark; sisters in law, Beulah Prather (Thomas) and Sandra Greene; brothers in law, Leon Sullivan (Karen) and Mark Wood; sister in love, Leola Brown; devoted niece Danica Clark; God Daughter Carla Corbett Fisher (Alphonso); God Son David Noel; close friends, Ricky Hilton, Jay Gist, Keith Blake; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Joseph L. Wilkins

May 28, 1937 - July 28, 2022