Melvin Ben Wilkerson – Metropolitan Funeral

Melvin Ben Wilkerson, of Norfolk, VA passed entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by the people that he loved.

Melvin was born on July 17, 1960 to the late Nellie Mae Jones and Leamon Wilkerson, Jr. He was preceded in death by his son Carlos Wilkerson, Sr., brother Larry Wilkerson, and second mother Vastine Wilkerson.

Melvin had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back. He had a great sense of humor. Some of his favorite sayings were: “what’s up baby,” “ain’t no romance without finance.” He would also say, “Entschuldigen Sie mich bitte (German) (excuse me please).”  He was also known for making up songs out of anything. He loved to ride in his car and sit outside. He was a very smart man. He was nonjudgmental and very forgiving. He loved to feed the homeless.

He went to Norview High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country for six years. After the military he worked for the United States Postal Service. 

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of forty-one years Dianne Wilkerson. One daughter Ditesha McNeil (Craigorey) of Chesapeake, VA., two sons Melvin Wilkerson Jones (Melissa) of Norfolk, VA and Demel Wilkerson (Ciara) of Norfolk, VA. Six grandsons: Craigory McNeil, Jr., Channing McNeil, Melvin Wilkerson Jones III, Emmanuel Wilkerson Jones, Jamel Wilkerson, and Carlos Wilkerson, Jr., Four granddaughters: Ma’Kaila Wilkerson Jones, April Wilkerson Jones, Da’Meya Wilkerson, and Ma’Leya Wilkerson. Two sisters: Debbie Ford (Ronnie) of Southaven, M.S., and Cassie Harrison (Michael) of Louisville, KY., One brother: Terrell Wilkerson (Sherri) of Louisville, KY. Six sister-in-law’s: Clara Mae Parker, Rachel Goss, Delores Hurdle, Kathy Fentress (Robert), Erma Harvey (Ernest), and Dorothy White., Four brother-in-law’s’: Lester White, Charlie White (Sharon), Alvin White and Micheal White. Maternal aunt: Adgenora Gillam of Norfolk, VA., Paternal aunts: Edna Carney of Brownsville, Tenn., Clardy Jean Gant of Highland Park, IL., Mae Ruth Watkins of Memphis, Tenn., Paternal uncles: Robert Wilkerson of Memphis, Tenn., Larry Gant of Universal Park, IL., John Henry Gant of German Town, Tenn., Second father Charlie Jones., Special friend: Marius Starke and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Love Lives On

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,

And cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,

Far as long as there is memory,

They will live on in my heart.