Bernice Clayborne Wilkerson

Bernice Clayborne Wilkerson, 87, a resident of Aurora, CO passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at her home. Bernice was born on January 19, 1936, in Columbia, MO. The daughter of Ruben and Gladys (Sallee) Clayborne.

Bernice went to Douglas High School, where she enjoyed attending class and watching the basketball games.
In 1953, Bernice married Johnny Mack Wilkerson of New Orleans, LA. As a military wife she traveled to many US and foreign military bases. She moved to Colorado in 1972 when her husband retired from the US Army. She worked for several state agencies before retiring from the Colorado Department of Revenue. Not quite ready for retirement, she then worked at Buckley Air Force Base Childcare Center. She loved investing in the lives of children.

She was faithful to the Lord and was a member of New Life Christian Center (NLCC), formerly, First Christian Assembly of God Church in Montbello under the leadership of Pastor Madlyn Tombs where she served as Director of the Greeters Department. She loved reading the word and listening to praise music. She also coordinated the Winter Praise evangelistic event which reached many individuals in the city.

Bernice was an awesome mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a dutiful wife, a loyal friend, and a faithful servant. She always had encouraging words to share. She valued education and attended the Community College of Aurora to study early childhood education. She encouraged everyone's child to remain in school and do their best in their studies. An avid basketball fan, she enjoyed watching the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors. She had lots of entertaining comments to share with those who watched the games with her.

She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her daughters – Deborha Wilkerson (Haywood) of Aurora, CO, Sharen Wilkerson (Ford) of Aurora, CO, Konnie Wilkerson of Denver, CO, Gwendolyn Wilkerson (Wooten) and husband Elton of Denver, CO, Madlyn Tombs, Centennial, CO, and son Anthony Wilkerson, Sr. and wife Monica of Aurora, CO. Eight grandchildren – Andre Haywood, and wife Cayce, Essence Williams and husband Brian, Jennifer Rice, Steven Bolling, Jr., Antowyn Bolling, Sean Boyd, Anthony Wilkerson, Jr., Savannah Wilkerson and Jennifer Tombs. Fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. And her sister-in-law Marie Clayborne of Columbia, MO. And a host of nieces and nephews and special loved ones.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny Wilkerson of 38 years, four siblings – Anna Clayborne, Roy Lee Clayborne, Helen Clayborne (Sheley) and William Clayborne.