July 17, 2020

“To everything there is a season and a time under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Mother Martha Lee Taylor Wilkerson, 87, departed this life on Friday July 17, 2020 at Highland Hospital in Picayune, MS. She was born on September 18, 1932 to the late Murray and Annie Huff Taylor in Sunny Hill LA. She was the middle child of eleven children. She attended Vernon School in Mount Hermon LA where she was crowned the Spelling Bee Champion for many years.

As an adult she was a hard-working lady and amazing cook. She would feed anyone who was hungry. Her children often thought that she had superpowers because she would produce a delicious spread of food from almost nothing. Mother Martha lived a rich and full life, finding enjoyment in her family and community.

She met and married the love of her life, the late Bunion (“Teddy”) Wilkerson. They enjoyed many years as entrepreneurs working together in the paper wood business. They were also experts at fishing and taught countless children how to fish.

At an early age she received Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at Union Chapel AME Church in Kentwood LA. After moving to The Village of Tangipahoa LA, she became a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church under the leadership of The Late Rev. T.H. Terry, founding member and the first church mother of New Hope Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Flynn Brumfield. She then moved to Picayune, MS and was a member of The Lighthouse International Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Elder Harvey Benard for many years. She later became a member of Agape Ministries under the leadership of her daughter, Dr. Vernessa Ducre. She served faithfully until her health failed. Mother Martha was always willing to help wherever needed; she served her church in many capacities at various times.

She leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, Ethel Taylor (Charles McDonald), Picayune, MS, Dr. Vernessa Ducre, Poplarville, MS, Chantay Robinson (Wayne Dunn), Norwood, LA., two sons, Stefonce Robinson and William (Deidra) Robinson, Picayune, MS; a grandson, Harry (Avis) Taylor that she raised as her own, a granddaughter that she helped raise, Martha Marie Brumfield; a daughter-in-law, Rosita Taylor, Los Angeles, CA; a sister-in-law, Annie Mae Jones, Portland, Oregon; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sons, Terry Don Adams, Woodrow Taylor Jr., Gillis Roy Robinson; two daughters, Deborah Adams-McCoy and Annie Jean Adams-Cohn; five sisters, Geneva T. Brumfield, Laura T. Johnson, Evelyn T. Warren, Alice Taylor, LeeAnn T. McGee; five brothers, James Taylor, Willie Taylor, Hollis Taylor, Bobby Ray Taylor and Edward Taylor.

Graveside service will be held Sunday, July 26, 2020 at noon at New Palestine Cemetery. Pastor Elder Harvey Benard will officiate at the service. A walk through will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Brown’s Funeral Home. COVID-19 precautions, including masking and social distancing, will be observed throughout both services.

Entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home.