Marijo Wilkerson

Marijo Wilkerson, Age 67, of Troy, MI passed away December 19, 2019.

Marijo Wilkerson was born on July 4, 1952 in Alton, Illinois. She was born to the late J.T. Wilkerson and Dorothy Alexander Wilkerson. She was the oldest child, of five girls. She attended primary school in Cincinnati, Ohio until her mother moved the family to Highland Park, MI. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1970. She later attended Highland Park Community College.

Until Marijo’s health failed her, she was employed at several restaurants. Her favorite time was spent working for Howard Johnson’s. Later, she was employed at Chrysler Corporation. Marijo loved music, playing the lottery, going to the casino, she was a foodie, loved going on road trips, attending church services, playing bingo, participating in arts and crafts, and spending time with family who were the highlight of her life. She also loved to attend concerts and the theatre. She had an unbelievable memory to the point where she could remember things that most of the family had forgotten.

Marijo loved and worshipped her family. She enjoyed watching her siblings, nieces, cousins and friends achieve academic and professional success. During the summer, Marijo enjoyed traveling with her mother and sisters to Alton, Illinois where she was able to spend quality time with relatives and friends. Although Marijo had many health challenges and she was in pain most of the time, she did not complain about what she had to endure. Marijo loved life. When asked, she was always ready to go any and everywhere. Over the past six months, she attended the marriage reception of her granddaughter Cassandra Wilkerson Nicholas and bridal shower and wedding of great niece Ajanae Dawkins. In September, she went on a vacation of a lifetime where she flew to Texas. There she spent a week with her sister Joyce and her family. They attended church, went shopping, visited a farm, and ate at several fine restaurants.

Marijo leaves to cherish her memory one loving son Vondell Wilkerson, dedicated daughter in-love (Kathryn Wilkerson), granddaughter Cassandra Nicholas (Kevin), sisters Dr. Janice Green (Dr. Charles Green), Joyce Wilkerson (Kevin Grant), God brother Dr. Samuel Craig (Janice), and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, family and friends. Three sisters preceded her in death: Letta Jane Wilkerson, Sandra Kaye Alexander and Donna Jean Liebman. Marijo will be greatly missed by family and friends. She was truly a ray of sunshine to everyone who knew her.