Herman Wilkins

Our beloved father, Herman Wilkins, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. Herman was a man whose presence could brighten up any room and whose laughter will forever echo in our hearts. He had that gift of a contagious and uplifting spirit. He loved the Dallas Cowboys; he also loved playing dominos and could play all night.

Herman was born to the late Edward Wilkins and Zola Mae Wright Wilkins on November 23, 1935.

Herman accepted Christ at an early age. He rededicated his life and united with the Ebenezer Third Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Nathan J. Robertson, Jr.

Herman attended Lockhart public schools and was an outstanding football player. He was a wide-receiver and led his team to the State Playoffs for three consecutive years.

Herman loved life and lived it to his fullest. Early in life, he was a hard-working farmer, carpenter, and cotton picker in St. Mary's and St. John Colony. In his later years, he was employed with Coca-Cola Bottling Company where he worked 45 years until he retired.

In August 1953, Herman was united in Holy Matrimony to Billie Sorrells. To this union, five children were born: Evelyn Fentress, Patricia Rusk, Sandra Houston, Michelle Small, and Gladys Budd. Herman also welcomed four stepchildren: Michael Kelly, Terry Limuel, Vanessa Kelly, and Pamela Kelly.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Wilkins and Zola Mae Wright Wilkins; wife Celler Stene Wilkins; and his daughter, Patricia Rusk.

Herman is survived by his daughters, Evelyn Fentress, Sandra Houston (Jerry), Michelle Small (Anthony), and Gladys Budd (Richard); stepchildren, Michael Kelly, Terry Limuel, Vanessa Kelly, and Pamela Kelly; his sisters, Mittie Burdette, Shirley Fisher, and Alberta Sutton; a brother, Sherman Wilkins; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of uncles, aunts, relatives; and many friends.