Mother Shirley Wilkins

Strength, grace, and unity are all words that describe Mother Shirley Wilkins, - A devoted mother and matriarch, who dedicated her life to raising a beautiful, close-knit family, always offering support, guidance, and unconditional love.

Mother Shirley “Litha” Vernell Wilkins was born to Addi Criss on December 2, 1938, in Tamms, Illinois, and lived a life rooted in strength, faith, and a profound love for her family.

He's sweet, I know. Storm clouds may rise; strong winds may blow. I'll tell the world wherever I go, that I've found a Savior, and He's sweet, I know. Mother Shirley Wilkins found her Savior Jesus Christ at an early age, and she remained faithful in the vineyard until her health would not allow her to.  She was a faithful member of New Life Community Center under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Diann Singh. 

Mother Shirley was known for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. Whether offering a warm meal, a listening ear, or comforting words, she lived her life with compassion and grace. Her home was always a place of welcome, her words filled with wisdom, and her heart open to all.

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Mother Shirley Wilkins transitioned peacefully into eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family. In the words of Scripture, she has entered a place “where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.”

Mother Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family in the heart of (5) daughters, Joy Leonard, Cheryl Parson, Pastor Diana (Rupinder) Singh, Mechelle Parson, and Tenisha (Lindell) Campbell; (5) sons, Cedric Parson, Anthony Parson, John Parson, Marvin (Lanalle) Parson, James (Tessa) Parson; 75 grandchildren, 98 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren; (1) sister, Azalea Criss; her long-time companion, Clarence Williams, her Godchildren, Charlie Patterson and Shan McKinney. Shirley shared a special motherly bond with her niece, Sherry Williams. She also lovingly raised her granddaughters, Felecia Lee and Ramona Surray as daughters, nurturing them with the same warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love that defined her motherhood.

Mother Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved children, Baby James A. Parson and Honearl (Cathy) Parson; several children lost at or shortly after birth; her mother Addi Criss; her siblings Inez Brown and Samuel Criss; her daughter-in-law Maxine Miller; her grandsons Chauncey Darden and Marcell McGee; her first husband James Parson; her second husband Willie Wilkins; and her son-in-law Kenneth Leonard.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family — one that will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she so deeply cherished.

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