Obituaries

Obituaries

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1932 - 2021

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Barbara J. Wilkerson went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 19th, 2021 at the age of 88. She passed away peacefully at home with her son Scott by her side.

Born at home on September 27th, 1932 in East Rochester, NY, she was the third child and only daughter of Edward R. Straight and Ethel M. (Hudson) Straight. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her brothers Edward (Eddie), S. Erwin (Ervie) and James (Jimmy).

Barbara was also predeceased by the love of her life, Andrew A. Wilkerson, who she was married to for 67 years. Born in Lynchburg, VA, Andrew aka “Bud” was a Marine in the Korean War with her brother Eddie, and they were married on June 6, 1952 after sharing correspondence during his service to our country. As residents of Henrietta, they lived in the same home for close to 60 years.

Andrew and Barbara were blessed with three children, Richard, (Carol VanHuben) Scott, and Brenda (Fred) Sorel. They were also blessed with a foster daughter Christina (Mark) Shenise. Family was everything to Barbara, and she was a loving, active and creative mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In the second half of her life she delighted in her nine grandchildren: Tara (James) Christiano, Thomas (Karen) Cranford, Jesse (Amber) Hall, Andrew Wilkerson, Sarah Wilkerson, Arielle Sorel, Joshua (Kimberly) Sorel, Ryan Sorel and Kayla Sorel. Among her greatest joys near the end of her life were her fifteen great-grandchildren: Jeffrey, Amara, Max, Caleb, Zoey, Claire, Ava, Emma, Jacob, Judah, Lilly, Hazelyn, Layla, Coralline and Elias. They also leave behind many nieces, nephews and cousins with whom they shared close relationships over the years.

Barbara loved being a homemaker, and she still set the table for her beloved husband as long as she was able after he passed. Up until less than a year before her passing she still cleaned the floors every day on her hands and knees. As a strong woman of faith, Barbara was always known as a “prayer warrior,” and her relationship with God was evident in all areas of her life. She loved singing and dancing and was known for her stylish hats that always coordinated with her outfits. She was also a very talented poet, and her many poems are a treasure. She loved garage sales, coffee, picnics in the country, camping, gardening and hot fudge sundaes. Up until the very end of her life she remained sweet, strong and sassy. She was the true embodiment of selflessness, and she loved all of God’s creation, especially babies and children. She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be terribly missed but fondly remembered forever. We find comfort in knowing that she is free and no longer suffering but dancing again with the love of her life.

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