Bonnie C. Wilkerson
Obituary
With grateful hearts and deep love, we share that our beloved mother, Bonnie Carlton Holloway Wilkerson, went home to be with the Lord on January 10, 2026, in Chesapeake, VA, just a few weeks shy of her 96th birthday.
Bonnie was born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 27, 1930, to Rev. D.P. and Lula Arlene Holloway. She was the youngest of three daughters. Growing up in a ministry family, Bonnie learned to sing and play the organ and piano. It didn’t matter if she had sheet music or not—Bonnie could sing in perfect harmony and find the perfect chord to any song.
In time, her family transitioned to pastor a church in Cleveland, Ohio, which is where Bonnie received the majority of her education. As a young teenager of 15, she met a handsome young preacher named John Wilkerson at an Assemblies of God youth camp. The two became pen pals and eventually fell in love, marrying on November 23, 1950, during a record-breaking snowstorm. Looking back, it was a sign of a union that would come to realize many record-breaking events that would greatly affect the Kingdom of God.
The couple’s first two children, Rich and Lynne, came early in their marriage while pastoring in Florida. In addition to Florida, the Wilkersons led churches in the Bahamas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, and Texas. In their later years, Bonnie and John left Texas and headed back to Florida to minister alongside their son Rich and his family in Miami.
It was during their time in Kenosha, Wisconsin, when Joni and Lori arrived. In addition to her responsibilities as a pastor’s wife and mother of teenagers, Bonnie started her “second family.” In all these various places of ministry, she was able to use not only her musical gifts but also her gift of hospitality to entertain countless missionaries, ministers, and friends. At times, she would lead the choir, teach Sunday School, and often accompany Dad on overseas trips. After her children were raised, she continued to mentor women, intercede for her family, missionaries, and friends, and care for our dear Dad until his death in 2014.
Bonnie had a tremendous sense of humor, as she truly believed what the Bible says about laughter being like medicine. She was quick to tell a funny story or dress up in crazy costumes to put on a skit. Some of her favorite sayings were, “just release it,” “take it upon yourself,” “in everything give thanks,” and “let’s pray about it.”
Her children would say they were raised by a mom who chose prayer over worry and gratitude over complaining. She had a servant’s heart that desired to know God’s will and answer His call no matter the cost. We will forever be grateful and impacted by her steadfast faith in God—it never wavered.
Bonnie is survived by her son Rich Wilkerson and daughter-in-law Robyn; daughter Lynne Arterbury and son-in-law Craig; daughter Joni Oquist and son-in-law Dale; and daughter Lori Stewart and son-in-law Matt. Her grandchildren are: Jon-Fulton Wilkerson and Ashley; Rich Wilkerson, Jr. and DawnCheré; Graham Wilkerson; Taylor Wilkerson and Kristen; Jonathan Kelly and Chelsea; David Kelly; Lauren Oquist Kern and Eric; DJ Oquist, Jr. and Krystal; Dawson Oquist and Olivia; Chase Stewart; Skye Stewart Grishaw and Uriah; and Ryder Stewart.
She is also survived by her seventeen great-grandchildren: Israel Wilkerson, Fulton Wilkerson, Wyatt Wilkerson, Wilde Wilkerson, Waylon Wilkerson, Wolfgang Wilkerson, Nora Wilkerson, Hudson Wilkerson, Eva Wilkerson, Rosie Wilkerson, Lily Wilkerson, Elijah Kelly, Evelyn Kelly, Oliver Oquist, Lillian Oquist, Emelia Oquist, and William “Luddy” Kern—with two more babies joyfully on the way.
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Memory wall
To the Wilkerson Family,
Today you gatherered with family and friends for a Celebration of Life for our very loved Bonnie Wilkerson. We could not be there, but our hearts were in tune with all of you for this very special time of remembrance.
Our first association with Pastor Bonnie was when we were students at North Central Bible College in the early 1970’s. We recall vividly how she was truly a woman of grace. She was a stand-out member of The Tab Choir singing every Sunday, and by example encouraging many others to become workers. We watched her relate to throngs of people on Sundays, flowing from one to another with her beautiful smile and cheerful disposition. Her example of style and elegance was the gold standard for that entire generation of emerging leaders among young women.
Pastor Bonnie was a gifted encourager. A masterful conversationalist, she captured the trend of thought in exchanges with others and turned it around with a valuable nugget of insight and a useful observation. She always pulled from her amazing memory the names of people, circumstances of an event, and a humorous quip that kept you engaged in every visit.
Today we are moved by the legacy of your mom and grandmother. Her qualities of grace and beauty, intelligence, and keen wit are guideposts for us to imitate each day. We ask the Lord to give all of you the joy of “her” salvation, her perseverance as an overcomer, and the same spirit that inspired thousands and lifted so many…one person at a time.
Your friends and fellow servants,
Mike and Mona Shields
Ministry Specialists
AGWM Latin America
I’ll always treasure the memory of visiting you in your office at Trinity Church. You were so deeply engaged in writing a letter of comfort to those in prison, reminding me of your unwavering compassion for God’s prodigal children. What a beautiful reflection of Jesus’ heart! ❤️
One summer when they came to visit, it was in Aug. and happened to be my birthday. Aunt Bonnie came in with a beautifully wrapped package for me! Inside was an outfit—a pair of navy bermuda shorts and a floral sleeveless top. Bermuda shorts had just become all the rage! Here, was an aunt who saw a little girl running around on the farm in pedal pushers and she met a need that became forever part of a memory deeply embedded in her. We all have so many precious memories! We can all be blessed by them and be so grateful for Bonnie, dear mother, grandmother and aunt!
From the very first moment we became friends. It was her sweet, warm, kind, smile, and her conversation about the LORD, and how she listened, encouraged, her deep prayers…everything she said or did shined Jesus through her.
Bonnie was very funny too. Later when I saw her again in Fresno, we had so much fun…so much laughter. Life was not always easy for her, but I never heard her complain..she knew her GOD, she trusted Him…. I also remember her playing the piano, it was so beautiful.
What a treasure she was to her family and to everyone who met her!
She was a godly woman of joy, peace and love!
I was so grateful that I got to know her.
Every time I think about her brings such sweet memories into my heart.
I love her so Big!
One of my favorite memories is from soon after I had Oliver. On Sunday mornings, she was always one of the first at church with Uncle Rich. Oliver and I would walk into the green room, and there she’d be with a big smile, waiting to greet us. It became such a sweet moment every week, spending time with her and listening to her stories of faith.
Grandma Bonnie was truly a woman of God, filled with joy and encouragement. She encouraged everyone she encountered. She loved to talk about the Lord, and she lived out her faith so boldly.
I’m just so thankful that I got to know her. She will be missed but I know she is rejoicing in Heaven!
My wonderful grandmother Bonnie Wilkerson lived more than ninety years, and what made her life beautiful was her faithfulness. As a pastor’s wife, she carried a calling of her own — praying, encouraging, serving, and loving without needing recognition. Church wasn’t just something she attended; it was who she was. Her steady faith strengthened her family and blessed everyone around her.
More than anything, she loved her family deeply. Her hugs, her prayers, her presence — those were her sermons. She invested her life in the people she loved, and that legacy will continue for generations.
Her life reminds us that true greatness is often quiet faithfulness. Grandma’s love built a family, her faith shaped lives, and her memory will always be a gift to us.
Ashley, our daughter Israel, our son Fulton and myself will always love and cherish her until we reunite once again!
-JF and Ashley Wilkerson
Fifty-three years ago, I married her son, Richard — and in that moment, I gained not just a husband, but a mother. I was blessed to call her Mom.
Bonnie was a wonderful wife, a devoted mother to her four children, and a woman whose joy touched everyone around her. There was a light in her spirit — a steadiness, a warmth — that made you feel at home in her presence.
She loved her family deeply and faithfully. Her life was not built on grand gestures, but on consistent love, quiet strength, and daily devotion. And that kind of love shapes generations.
I am forever grateful for the way she raised her son, for the example she set, and for the gracious way she welcomed me into her heart.
Mom, thank you for your joy. Thank you for your love.
We honor you today and always,
Love,
Robyn Wilkerson
Service
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