Willie Bernard Wilkes

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 

Mr. Willie Bernard Wilkes was born on March 10, 1948, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, as the third son of the late George and Jessie Lee Jones Wilkes. Willie found peace with the Heavenly Father on December 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of beloved moments for all who knew him. 

Distinguished by his academic dedication, he graduated as Valedictorian from Holtzclaw Memorial High School, Crystal Springs, MS, in 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Alcorn State University in 1970. Later, he pursued advanced studies at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL, earning both a Master of Education in School Counseling and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Support with a focus on School Counseling. His academic journey reflects a lifelong passion for learning and supporting others in their educational pursuits. 

On August 9, 1970, Willie married Alice Hankins of Jackson, MS. They shared 55 wonderful years of matrimony and built a loving family, his greatest pride and joy which was further multiplied with his grandchildren. 

Brother Wilkes became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Mighty Eta Chapter in the Spring of 1969 at Alcorn State University. During his 56 years with the fraternity, he held key leadership positions, including Basileus, Vice-Basileus, and Keeper of Records and Seals.  He also made a strong impact through his commitment to community service. As a charter member of the Sigma Alpha Alpha Chapter, he has organized annual scholarship drives, mentored young men to pursue higher education and civic engagement, and currently led both the Scholarship and Nominating Committees. He was recognized as the Omega Man of the Year multiple times and received the Superior Service Award and Special Service Recognition Award.  

During his years as a cost accounting specialist in the Cost Accounting department at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Willie was known for his meticulous work and commitment to his team. His greatest professional impact occurred during his nearly 16-year tenure as a School Counselor at Colmer Middle School in Pascagoula, MS. There, he implemented innovative mentorship programs that helped increase student graduation rates and provided guidance to countless students navigating academic and personal challenges. His colleagues and students alike remember his compassion, encouragement, and unwavering support. He joyfully retired in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and student achievement. 

Brother Wilkes is an active member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Moss Point, MS, where he served on the finance committee, participated in the United Methodist Men, and sang with both the Male Chorus and Sanctuary Choir. His leadership and service extended beyond the church walls, further exemplifying his commitment to uplifting others.  He served as Treasurer of the Pas-Point Alcorn State University Alumni Association for 40 plus years. 

In retirement, Willie embraced his role as a professional grandparent, taking his grandchildren to school and various activities, and cherishing time spent with family. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and frequently journeying across the United States, exploring new cultures and visiting friends, continuing his lifelong pursuit of learning and connecting with people. 

Willie is preceded in death by his parents George and Jessie Lee Wilkes; grandparents, Tallie and Estella Thomas Wilkes and Rev. Jasper and Missouri Jackson Jones; brothers, Ceasar (Dorothy) Jones, George (Clara) Wilkes, Jr., and Dr. Shelby Wilkes; sister Inez Wilkes; and brothers-in-law James Baggett and Amos Hankins, Jr., sisters-in-law Mildred (John) Moore, Gwendolyn Johnson Wilkes and Florence Roberta (Douglas) Ford.  

Memories of his lifelong commitment to his family will forever be cherished by his wife, Alice Wilkes, two children Miriam (James) Spain and Willie B. Wilkes, II; grandchildren James D. Spain, II and Jamelen Alicia Spain, whom he delighted in guiding and supporting; brothers Dr. Emanuel (Jean) Wilkes, Columbus, GA; William Howard (Meisha) Wilkes, Dallas, TX; sister Maxine Wilkes Baggett and sister-in-law Dr. Jettie Burnett Wilkes; aunt, Martha McKinney of San Jose, CA; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends; special cousins, Dorsey and Margie Burton who have always been by our side and supporting us; extended family friends, James and Paulette Briscoe, Glen and Toni K. Johnson, the late Grady McMillon, Jr.; Members of Sigma Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Moss Point Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Retired Faculty, Staff and students of Colmer Middle School, Alcorn State University Jackson County Alumni Chapter, “The Neighborhood” and St. Paul United Methodist Men. 

His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering encouragement will live in the hearts of countless nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, students, friends, and all whose lives he uplifted. The profound impact of his guidance continues to inspire those he touched, reflecting the remarkable legacy of a life dedicated to nurturing and empowering others. 

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