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Ella Wilkins Obituary
She was born Nov. 7, 1946, in Sussex County to the late Louise Grant and Robert Burrow.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Rossie, James Grant, Sister Gladys Smith, Mary Wynn and son-in-law Emmitt Green. She was a former longtime member of Oak Street AME Zion, Petersburg later joining Third Baptist Church.
Upon retiring from Southside Virginia Training Center she proudly joined the Majestic Temple #109, Red Hat Club, active member of the YMCA, and Happy Hour Senior Citizen Club of Petersburg.
She is survived by three daughters, Ella Massenburg, Sherry Green and Tammara Wilkins; father of the children, Robert C. Wilkins; eight grandchildren, Marvin, Joseph C., Shaneka, Crystal, Trey Wilkins, Richard Massenburg II, Jakwon Hawkins, and Kye'Asia Green; three great grandchildren, Marvin Jr., Amir Wilkins and Andre Lyons; five sisters, Iris Epps (James), Evelyn Dance, Janie Wiggins (Franklin), Dorothy Jackson and Edna Burrow; one brother, Robert Grant (Vera) and foster mother, Elizabeth Weatherington. Her extended family includes, Darnell, Angela, Cynthia, Pam and James Weatherington. Wilkins family includes: James, Elsie, Helen, Bernice, William and Richard L. Massenburg I and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and among the friends: Delores Panell, Jackie Spearing, Ruby Tucker, Alexander Byrd and YMCA friends of Petersburg.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at the Third Baptist Church. The Rev. Leroy Cherry will officiate. The interment will follow at the Dinwiddie Memorial Park. The Majestic Lodge will do a presentation Monday at 6 p.m. The family will receive friends at 2027 S. Whitehill Drive and may be contacted by calling Tamara Wilkins (804)862-3191, (804)862-1807 and Ella Massenburg (804) 733-1438.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, now serving from three locations, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Waverly. Online condolences to may be sent to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ella Wilkins
Ruth Keller
June 17, 2009
To Ella Mae's daughters and family. I have been doing water aerobics at the Y with Ella for years, even before her surgery and I admired her so much for her dedication to keeping healthy. She was there every day working out faithfully. My sympathy is with you for your great loss.
Ruth Keller, Petersburg
Julie Pond
June 16, 2009
I met Ella at the YMCA many years ago and I thought THE WORLD of her. I cannot imagine going to the Y in the mornings and not seeing her smiling face. She always had a way of making me laugh when I was around her and I am going to miss her so much! There is no doubt in my mind that Ella, a beautiful person, is amongst angels and our Lord and Saviour. May God bless all who knew and loved her, she was one of a kind!
Rasheen & Artenna Young
June 15, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Love,
Rasheen, Artenna, and AJ
Hattie Bonner
June 15, 2009
Ella and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will strengthen you and may he find a comforting place in your hearts.
Veronica Smith
June 15, 2009
Heartfelt condolences to the family. I am sorry for your loss. Continue to pray and be there for each other.
Veronica -- water buddy
KiKi and Weldon from the "Y"
June 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
sandra walker
June 14, 2009
The LaLa Red Hatters will always fondly remember Ella who was never without a smile.
Nan Bailey, Queen Mother &
Sandra Walker
Vonda Fitzgerald
June 12, 2009
May God be with you during this time, Ms. Ella will truly be missed, by all of her water buddies.
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