Katherine "Irene" Wilkerson

Katherine "Irene" Wilkerson was welcomed into heaven at 5:40 a.m. on a beautiful Monday morning, June 30th. She was born to Harrison and Amanda Smith on August 22, 1922. Irene was united in marriage to Lawrence Andrew Wilkerson for 60 years, until they were separated by his death on July 15; 2001.Her church membership was at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church. She dedicated her life to being a Christian, homemaker, and mother as her vocation.

Irene and her husband enjoyed their life together with their three sons; Al J., Gary R., and Kenneth L. Wilkerson and always provided a good home for them. She had many other interests in her lifetime in which she also participated in such activities as (competitive) go-cart racing in the 1950's, church events, writing poetry, and volunteering as a "pink lady" at St. John's Auxiliary. One of her special achievements was a 50 year membership to the Eastern Star, in which she served as an officer at one time.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, brothers William R. Smith, Fred R. Smith, sister Ruby and her husband James Jolley. She is survived by family members who include her brother; Richard O. Smith of Fort Scott, KS, her three sons; Al J. Wilkerson and wife Cheri of Springfield, Gary R. Wilkerson and wife Ferris of Springfield, Kenneth L. Wilkerson of Sedalia. Her legacy of grandchildren are; David Boatright and wife Dana of Springfield, Melissa (Wilkerson) O'Mara and husband Dr. William O'Mara of Beaumont, Texas, Michelle (Wilkerson) of Springfield, Amanda B. Wilkerson of Springfield; step-grandchildren; Pvt. Michael Gingery of Fort Lewis, Washington, Matt Gingery and his wife Gloria of Ozark, and Carrie Berry of Ozark. Great grandchildren that she held a special place in her heart were: Taylor Gaines, Brandon Corley, Amaya Corley, Hannah Berry, and Mason Berry.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008 in the chapel at Herman Lohmeyer Funeral home with Pastor Robert Moger II of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church officiating. No formal visitation is planned however friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.