Clara Danielle Wilkins was born to Marilyn Smith and Micheal
Gilliam on August 29th, 1974 in Memphis TN.,. Loved and adored
dearly by her grandparents Clara and Noah Wilkins- whom she
equally adorered. Danielle and her mother moved to St. Louis MO.,
February 12th, 1977. Clara attended Kirkwood and Maplewood
Richmond Heights, later attending and graduating from Riverview
High school-Class of 93. Later attending Florissant Valley Comm.
College 1994-1996. She majored in Art with a minor in Early
Education. She further and completed her education by obtaining
her certification at Ellene Stevens Beauty College 2000-2001.
Clara was a great collector and loved her career. She later
retired from J.M Family & Associates as top collector. Clara is also
the founder of Nobel Ent., and created Just Us Girls - Hair Braiding
Specialist with co/owner Patrick Mabins.
Danielle answered to many names- mommy, marshmallow,
bunny, doctor, chef, therapist, teacher and most important
FRIEND. She was always kind, giving, loving, supportive and always
kept an upbeat to life. She was a great mother and an even better
grandmother.
She enjoyed tending to her family, swimming, dancing,
cheering, drawing, eating great food, traveling, watching movies,
doing hair and most of all being with her friends and family.
Danielle was a caring and an overly giving woman. She loved
to see others smile and would give her last to do so. She was patient,
kind and gentle to those who turned their backs and ignored her.
Danielle did not judge you and you could talk to her about any and
everything.
It's no secret our fathers were not present in our lives but she
stood in very well and never complained- never shutting us out;
even if we did. She knew her children loved her and would always be
her 1st defense line.
To Audrey, Chance, Diamond, Kaylin - Your mother instilled
values and morals in each and every last one of you. Remember her
favorite word, "Integrity". You continue to stand on your mothers
morals and values. You are a reflection of your mom- Our
Marshmallow. Make her proud!
In 1992, she began creating her own family giving birth to
Audrey Denise; 1997 with her eldest son Chance Jerimiah and in
1999, her baby girl Diamond Patricia-Ann. Later in 2002 Danielle
adopted Kaylin Jones with her estranged husband Eugene Jones.
Danni was loved by many and had several community children.
Clara Danielle loved her grandchildren dearly! Maybe even
more than her own children, lol. They enjoyed spending time with
their Nanna- as well as baking cookies, trying out new restaurants,
shopping, slumber parties,crafting, road trips and all holiday
events. Her bond between her children and grandchildren was
unbreakable despite what it may seem on the outside- they knew
her heart and understood her love. The 4 of them knew their bond
and security net for each other.
In 2005 she began getting sick resulting in dialysis treatments
due to kidney failure which she later succumbed to after a long,
hard 14 year battle. Leaving behind 7 grandchildren: Erica NaSha',
Au'Breyana Lenise, Earl Lawernce the 3rd, Payton Skye,
Elijah-Urijah Law, Journee Danielle and Ava Marie.
Also, Her mother Marlyin Smith, two sisters Melissa and
Amanda Ray. Ten nieces and nephews Hannah, Leah, Melia,
NalaYah, ZariYah, MaeYah, Sir Ethan and Abbasi Heru-Five uncles
and six aunts: Kenneth and Theresa Wilkins, Glenda and Kenny
Gordon, Irvin and Faye Wilkins, Noah and Rudy Wilkins and Auntie
Jackie. First first cousins, Theresa and Jade who were like siblings to
her and a host of cousins.
Family last comments:
Audrey- Mom, I'm not sure if there is a greater title for all that
you've been to me. My friend, my hero, my comforter, my world,
my baby. All of my life I've seen you get knocked down and told no.
BUT! I have NEVER seen You give up. I never saw You quit! I always
see your strategies and try again until you've succeeded. I thank you
mom- mommy for everything she sacrificed for me! I can talk all
day telling these people what you've met to me- but you already
knew. I am grateful I no longer have to watch you suffer and hurt
because I couldn't give you all that you needed, but I sure tried! You
deserved so much more. This life wasn't good enough for you! I love
you mommy always and forever, you will be in my heart. It's no
wonder why Morning Glory was your favorite fragrance a lot like
you- It's a symbol of love and affection; Which you never ran short
of.
Calvin- We little knew that morning that God was going to call your
name and life. We love you dearly in life and in death we do the
same. It breaks our heart to lose you. You did not go alone because
you took A part of us with you the day God called you home. You left
those peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide. And though
we can not see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is
broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by
one. The chain will link again. Rest easy Danielle
Earl 3rd- My favorite memory with my Nanna is our boys date to
Storming Crab. I love you Nanna! So, much. Although it's over now,
you will be in my heart until I pass away.
Au'Breyana- My favorite memory with nanna is going to get our
nails done and shopping. Coming back home to watch movies and
play games together. Hey, Nanna. I miss you so much. You were the
best Nanna in the whole world. I wish you were still here now and
would spend just one more night with you.
Payton- My favorite memory is walking to the store to get candy
and going to the park with Jornee. And how Nanna would play
Barbie's with us!
Erica- My favorite memory with my Nanna is everything but just
being with her was enough for me. In the day we see the sun and in
the night we see the moon. We close our eyes and lean our heads
and dream about you in our beds. We hoped this day wouldn't have
been this soon. But people come and people go but, we will all see
you soon.
Marilyn- My daddy, her grandfather, was the first one to hold her
when I brought her home from the hospital. She was immediately
spoiled by her grandfather, grandmother (whose name Clara I gave
her), her Auntie Doris, four uncles and of course myself. She woke
up happy and smiling. She laughed at our toys and our voices so
much and so quick and easy that her Aunt Vodee nicknamed her
"Goosey ''. She learned to walk at 11 months old. When she moved
to St. Louis with me she was 2 years old and fell in love with her
family here. Auntie Joyce Ann, Auntie Kay, Uncle Sonny, Uncle
Kenny and her cousins. She and Coneatra share a birthday and she
and Theresa were the same age and became as close as sisters. She
was so sweet she skipped everywhere she went.I love you Danielle,
my sweet baby, no more pain.
Theresa- Me & You shall never part!