Tributes

Late Friday afternoon, October 12, 2018, our cherished Charles Wilkins peacefully journeyed home and took his eternal rest in the ever-loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Enfield, NC on September 8, 1948 the late Grady Wilkins, Sr. and the late Louise Simmons Wilkins were blessed by the birth of their fourth and final child, Charles Jefferson Wilkins. During his early childhood years spent in Enfield, his grandfather nicknamed him “Jabo”. At the age of five, the family migrated to Richmond, VA where Charles would soon make his mark on the city. The family settled on the west end of Richmond, where Charles matriculated through the Richmond City School system, ultimately attending and graduated from Maggie L Walker High School where he participated in sports but excelled in basketball. Upon graduation, he attended Fayetteville State University for a short time before transferring back home to Virginia Commonwealth University (formerly Richmond Professional Institute) in 1968. Charles Wilkins’ prided himself on his accomplishments at VCU where he proudly declared he “put VCU on the map”. In his three-year attendance, he set and continues to hold the school record for career scoring (23.8) and rebounding averages (13.5). These accomplishments earned him an induction into the VCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. Anyone who knew him understood just how much Charles loved basketball. He played competitive basketball informally and in formal league settings until his diagnosis in November of 2017. These leagues included but were not limited to Elm Street Gymnasium in Greenville and the Pitt County Senior Games. Charles followed his basketball dreams and moved to Trenton, New Jersey playing Semi-Pro basketball in the Eastern Basketball Association for the Trenton ‘Pat Pavers.’ During this time Charles completed his undergraduate degree at Trenton State College where he studied Recreational Education. Upon graduation, Charles held a host of jobs including time at Rahway State Prison, Trenton Public School System, The City of Trenton and The Carrier Foundation, where he held the position(s) of Recreational Director before transitioning to a seventeen year career in the Banking industry. On March 24, 1973, Charles married the late Dianne Woolard Wilkins. Resulting from a desire to be closer to family, Charles and Dianne relocated with their children to Greenville, NC in 1989. Charles had an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to provide for his family which led him to create Char-Will Enterprises (J&S Cleaning and Speedy Courier Service) with his wife in 1992. Charles worked tirelessly to ensure the business was successful and flourished. Charles and Dianne were married for forty years upon her death in March 2013. Charles was baptized at a young age and attended church regularly as a child with his father and mother who were faithful servants of the Cedar Street Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. Unwavering faith in God lead Charles to join Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ early in his adult life. Charles continued his parents’ legacy of servant leadership at Shiloh where he served on the Senior Usher Board. Charles joined New Dimensions Community Church in January 2009 where he faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher, Praise and Worship Team Member, an active participant of the Dennis Hamilton Men’s Fellowship, and was an integral part of the seasonal Easter play, Seven Last Words, where he delivered a stirring portrayal of Jesus. Charles was able to find love and companionship again in November, 2016 when he married Barbara Turnage, who cared for him until his passing. Charles’ life and legacy will be treasured by his wife, Barbara Turnage Wilkins and his loving children, Charles Wilkins, Jr. of Richmond, VA, Sakeya Wilkins of Raleigh, NC, Jermaine Wilkins (Nicole)of Raleigh, NC, Brandon Tyson of Durham, NC, Brittany Tyson of Winston Salem, NC; Charles will continue to be adored by his precious grandchildren, Keon, Cierra, Chanel, Dejon, Jamael, Azaria, Morgan, Kyra, Dilann, and Mehkai; eight great –grandchildren; two brothers, Albert Wilkins (Barbara) of Mitchellville, MD, Grady Wilkins Jr. (Shirley) of Richmond, VA; one sister, Doris Coleman (James)of Richmond, VA; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Charles’ marriage to Barbara extended his family circle to daughters, Quynetta M. Bryant and Cipporah A. Harris; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and beloved family members who will cherish his memory. Charles presence will also be missed by the Maggie Walker Basketball team alumni; VCU Basketball team alumni; and Greenville area basketball players that competed with Charles.

Tributes

Mr. Charles Jefferson Wilkins

September 8, 1948 - October 12, 2018