L.B. Wilkerson

Lavern Billie "Bill" Wilkerson was called to be reunited with his beloved wife, Annette, in their eternal resting place on May 28, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Mission Dorado Baptist Church.

Bill was born on March 9, 1935 in Clifton Kansas to Bryan and Eula Wilkerson. He moved to Skellytown, Texas where he attended elementary school. He graduated from White Deer High School in 1953. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Annette Ruth Burns Wilkerson, at the First Baptist Church Parsonage in White Deer, Texas on June 17, 1955. They moved to Midland, Texas, after they were married and lived there until they moved to Odessa, Texas in 1961.

Bill started his career working for Northern Natural Gas in Midland before moving to Odessa to work for Rexall Chemicals (later Rexene, El Paso Products, and Huntsman.). He worked there for over 30 years in multiple positions of increasing responsibility. Nicknamed "Bill Bill," he was a respected and beloved figure in his workplace.

Bill was dedicated to a life of service, volunteering at church, school and community. He was a lifelong deacon, first at Crescent Park Baptist Church, then later at Mission Dorado Baptist church, where he and Annette were charter members. He served on the Permian High School Band Boosters for several years and was President of the Band Boosters from 1981-1982. If there was someone who needed help or something that needed to be done, Bill was alway there to lend a hand. After retirement, Bill, along with Annette, was dedicated to encouraging, mentoring, and loving the young people at their church. Whether they needed guidance, advice, a hug, or some other kind of support, Bill loved helping and encouraging young people, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other family members.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Eula Wilkerson; his twin brother, Laveryl Bryan Wilkerson; his sisters Dora Dean Wilkerson, Judy McKernan & brother-in-law Bob McKernan, and Donna Pauley & brother-in-law Ralph Pauley; and special Aunt and Uncle, Melba and Wes Langham.

Bill is survived by his son, Mitchell and wife Audrey of Dallas, Texas; daughter Stacy French and husband Steve of Ft. Worth Texas; and his three beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey French of Austin, Texas, Gregory French of Ft, Worth, Texas, and Olivia Wilkerson of Dallas, Texas.

To share condolences and memories of Bill, please sign the guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com