REVEREND ARTHUR L. WILKES

It is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heavens:” and as such, Reverend Arthur L. Wilkes, the beloved pastor, preacher and devoted servant of God, has departed this earth to rest eternally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Life: Reverend Arthur L. Wilkes’ life journey began in Ethel, MS. He was the fifth of nine children born to Tommy Sr. and Mary Alice Wilder Wilkes. He received his formal education with the Greenlee School District in McCool, MS; where he graduated with his class in 1958. In l959, he relocated with his family to Milwaukee, WI.

Reverend Wilkes accepted Christ at an early age and attended Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Ethel, MS and Providence Baptist Church in Milwaukee, WI.

In 1963, Reverend Wilkes relocated to San Diego, CA, with his family, and united with the Mt. Erie Baptist Church. He accepted the call to the ministry in 1970; organized the Providence Missionary Baptist Church in 1987 and preached his first sermon, “The Disturbing Facts About the Full Gospel.” Acts 19:23 KJV.

He was married on November 22, 1980 to Millie J. Brazwell-Turner and to this union was born one child, Terik Nichoise Wilkes.

Reverend Wilkes served well in the Progressive Baptist District Association and the Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association for over 30 years and continued even when his health failed under the leadership of Dr. Walter G. Wells. He was also faithful to the California Missionary Baptist State Convention, the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and the Nation Congress. Additionally, he served his Community Counsel as the Chaplin for several years and a 33rd Degree Mason with King Solomon Lodge #570. Reverend Wilkes attended Linda Vista Seminary and received an Associate of Arts Degree in Religion and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy of Religion from Aspen Christian College of Lakewood, CO.

The Legacy: Reverend Arthur L. Wilkes was a respected man of God. This man of many facets trusted in one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism. Dubbed a “Gentle Giant,” he cherished his God given gift as a messenger of God, honored singer, devoted husband and father, caring brother, a good friend and humble servant.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: James Edward, Willie Earl and Tommy, Jr.

He leaves to celebrate his victory and cherish his memories and honor his legacy, his loving and devoted wife, Millie, of 39 years; Daughters: Drunette Penton of Lawrenceville, GA and Terik Wilkes of East Point, GA; Step-Daughter: Torri (Philip) Doyle of Waldorf, MD; Stepson: Lt. Todd (Susan) Turner of San Diego, CA; Grandchildren: Danielle, Desiree’ and Darius; Step-Grandchild: Draessen; Sisters: Hattie Hamdlin, Mamie (Berlee) Dotson, Bobbie Patterson, Ernestine (Dr. Robert) Wilson and Dorothy (Charles) Orr all of Milwaukee, WI; Sisters-in-Law: Montrula Brazwell of San Diego and Vonzell (Stanley) Hood of Alvaton, KY; Brothers-in-Law: Mark Brazwell of Aurora, CO and Manuel (Teresa) Brazwell of Surprise, AZ; Surrogate Brother: Lester Logan and family and Surrogate Niece: Shirley Norwood and a countless host of extended family members and friends that will mourn his passing and continue to celebrate his life.

We may close this final chapter of his life, but we will always remember the resounding, “When I see Jesus…Amen…When I see my Master…Amen…All of my troubles…All of my sadness…Will be over…When I see Jesus…When I see Jesus…Amen…I’ve been in the storm and rain…Oh, but I made…I’ve had a lot of heartaches…I had a lot of pain…But I made it…All of my troubles…All of my disappointments…All of my sorrows…Will be over…When I see Jesus…When I see Jesus…When I see Jesus…Amen…Amen…Amen!

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