A Life Well Lived

On August 12, 2025, Reverend Johnnie Wilkins, Jr. passed away peacefully at Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at the age of 95. Johnnie Wilkins, Jr., was born on September 15,1929, to Johnnie and Eunice Honore Wilkins in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was the beloved fourth child and eldest son in a lively family of fifteen siblings. His long and meaningful life was rooted in love, family, faith, and service to others.

Johnnie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Christian Baptist Church.  He attended Second Ward School and later enlisted in the United States Army.  While serving in the Army, Johnnie spent some time stationed in Omaha, Nebraska and thought it would be a good place to raise a family.  Upon returning home from service in World War II, Johnnie met the love of his life the former Bettie Jean Simon. On August 16, 1959, they wed in Omaha, Nebraska.  To this union seven children were born: Michael, Donna, Sheryl, David, Valerie, Belinda, and Veronica. He devoted much of his life to the joy and care of his family.

Johnnie was employed as a Motor Vehicle Operator for the United States Postal Service in Omaha, Nebraska. His commitment to God and for learning led him to Grace College of the Bible in Omaha.  Johnnie was licensed to preach the gospel at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in 1976. He preached his first sermon under the leadership of Reverend John H. Whittington at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1978, Johnnie and Bettie's desire to be closer to their extended family led them to relocate to Lake Charles, Louisiana.  He reestablished his membership at his childhood church, Christian Baptist Church.  Johnnie's continued dedication to his faith was evident when he was ordained on August 9, 1979, at Christian Baptist Church with the late Reverend W.C. Clark officiating. Upon his ordination, Johnnie was elected by the Calcasieu Missionary District Association to serve as a district missionary to the association.  He remained committed to his church serving for numerous years, under the leadership of the late Rev. W.C. Clark, Al Stevens, Abbie Monroe, and Edward Alexander, Jr. Johnnie's warmth and commitment shone through as he served as an Associate Minister, often teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes, touching the lives of many with his kindness and wisdom. From 1980-1982, he served as one of the church's interim ministers along with Rev Al Garfield Stevens.  He had a life defined by service to the ministry and left a tremendous legacy that is the fruit of his service.

Johnnie dedicated his life to his family, friends, and the community.  He received commendations from his job at the US Postal Service for beneficial contributions in 1969 and 1970. In October 1991 and October 1997, he received certificates of appreciation from Christian Baptist Laymen in recognition of excellence in bible session.  In June 1994, he received a certificate of recognition from the Christian Baptist Church Youth Department in recognition of Father's Day. In 2008, he was presented a certificate for loyal service and dedicated leadership to the Christian Baptist Church family from the Deacon and Deaconess Fellowship.

He loved life, his family, friends, traveling to visit his children and grandchildren. He faithfully followed his late brother Coach Clyde Wilkins, Sr., basketball team, attending many high school games with his brother and children. Nothing meant more to Johnnie than taking care of the ones he loved.  Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Harry, Tim, and Clyde Wilkins, Sr.; three sisters: Claudia Powell, Mae Bell Robinson, and Savannah Mayo and grandson David Wilkins, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Bettie Jean Wilkins; seven children: two sons, Michael (Lisa) Wilkins of Lacassine, Louisiana; David (Yolanda) Wilkins of Houston, Texas; and five daughters, Donna Coleman of San Antonio, Texas; Sheryl (Toronto) Spikes of Denton, Texas;  Valerie (Shelton) Blunt of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Belinda Wilkins of Los Angeles, California and Dr. Veronica Wilkins, DC of Lake Charles, Louisiana; five granddaughters, Janise Wilkins; Michaela Wilkins; Monique Spikes; Raven Wilkins; Jordan Blunt and six grandsons, Michael Wilkins, Jr.; Terry Wilkins; Dominique Spikes; Jarel Wilkins; Quenton Coleman; Shelton Dennis Blunt, II and 13 great-grandkids; one brother, Robert Wilkins of Lake Charles; seven sisters, Dorothy Strauss of Clinton, Mississippi; Christine Clark of San Leandro, California; Lucille Wilkins of Oakland, California; Gloria (William) Manning and Joyce Edwards, both of Sacramento, California; Stella Fondel and Francine Waters both of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Reverend Wilkins visitation will be Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 9:00 A.M. with his funeral following at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Edward Alexander will officiate. Interment will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.