Milton Chick Wilkerson

Milton Chick Wilkerson of Roanoke, Va., and 31 Woodlee Road, Staunton, Va., passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the age of 95. He was born at home October 22, 1913, in Prospect, Va. Chick was the son of Annie Chick Wilkerson and Joseph Milton Wilkerson. He graduated from Hampton Sydney College and received his Master of Divinity from Duke University. While at Duke University he met his future wife, Margaret Underwood, the love of his life. They were married on February 16, 1938 and enjoyed a remarkable 67 years of marriage before her death in 2005. She remained the light of his life during all those years. When her health failed and she required nursing care, he went with her so she wouldn't be alone. Chick was her constant companion and lived out the true meaning of their wedding vows. Chick joined the Virginia Methodist Conference in 1934. He began with a student appointment in the Durham district while completing his ministerial studies. In 1937 Chick began his active ministry and served as pastor of a number of churches in Virginia. These included churches in Powhatan, Cartersville, Clarksville, AldersgateHampton, Blacksburg, South Boston, Staunton, and Hopewell. At each of these churches Chick guided the congregation in a remodeling program or facility expansion. He became known throughout the Virginia conference as a builder of churches. In 1966 Chick's career in the ministry changed paths. He accepted a position as Administrator of the Lydia-Roper Retirement Home in Norfolk and the Eastern Shore Retirement Home. Chick continued his career in administration of retirement homes at the Roanoke Methodist Retirement Home where he served for 15 years before his retirement in 1982. In addition, he served on many conference committees including ones charged with planning for the retirement homes in various parts of the state. Of particular enjoyment was his time spent as registrar of the conference Board of Ministerial Training and Qualifications, a group in charge of candidates for admission to the ministry. Chick taught classes for Christian Worker Schools, served as counselor in youth assemblies, served on the Conference Board of Education and was Chair and Vice Chairman of the Board of Social and Economic Relations and Chairman of the Family Life Committee. During his years in the conference he was a workshop leader in Family Life Conferences and a member of the Hermitage Board of Trustees.

Chick was a World War II Veteran. He was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army in February 1941 and served as a chaplain on active duty during 1941 to 1945. During this time he spent three years in the South Pacific arena.

He is survived by a daughter, Peggy Anne Wilkerson Jennings and son-in-law, E. Thomas Jennings Jr., of Staunton, Va.; three special grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Jennings and wife, Masako Jennings, of New York, Jeffrey Thomas Jennings and wife, Sheila Jennings, of Staunton, and Sarah Anne Jennings, of Staunton; an adored greatgrandson, Garrett Thomas Jennings, of Staunton; a double first cousin, Emery Wilkerson and wife, Emily ,of Richmond; as well as other cousins. He was preceded in death by his adored wife, Margaret Payne Underwood Wilkerson; a son, Larry Chick Wilkerson; a brother, Lester Wilkerson; and a sister, Elizabeth Wilkerson.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2008, in Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va., followed by a celebration of life memorial service 11 a.m. on Monday at Windsor Hills United Methodist Church. The Rev. Branan Thompson and the Rev. Tom Lee will officiate. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 14, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel on Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Windsor Hills United Methodist Church, 3591 Windsor Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018 for the benefit of the music program.