It is with heavy hearts we announce Karen Elizabeth Mawyer Wilkerson, age 69 of Rustburg passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by family. A beloved mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, and friend too many.
Born on October 15, 1954 to the late Elmo and Margaret Mawyer of Lynchburg, VA.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by two brothers; Darel and Vincent Mawyer, one sister; Cathy Bernard and one grandchild; Courtney Wilkerson.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Walter J. Wilkerson of Rustburg, two sons; Jason Wilkerson (Amanda) and Phillip Wilkerson, one daughter; Margaret Ann Rhino (Courtney), and one aunt; Ocie Jackson. Karen leaves behind to cherish her 11 grandchildren; Christopher Bennett, Sarah Crews, Katie Wilkerson, Emily Wilkerson, Madison Farringer, Cheyenne Wilkerson, Bri Robinson, Dakota Benard, Alexus Benard, Corey Benard, and Briason Rhino. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Karen’s favorite cherished times were her annual family trips to the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach. If she was in one of her “Because I want to” moods, she would go again to the beach to just walk the boardwalk, shop, or just sit on the balcony overlooking the ocean. She was known for her amazing potato salad and macaroni salad that was always requested by the family at every cookout. She had a love for collecting things, such as black bears and especially giraffes so much that she watched April the giraffe live at the adventure park every day, and was sure to give you an update of how she was doing. Christmas was her favorite time of year, the Grinch was her favorite, and she had a great joy in displaying all her snowmen in the house which everyone knew not to rearrange them or you would be yelled at. There are so many cherished memories the family will remember and hold dear to their heart.
The family would like to thank Centra Hospice, especially Rebekah Kerr, who sat with the family and sang hymns to Karen. Thank everyone for their love and support during this time.
A Celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Winfall Baptist Church with Pastor Phil Stevens officiating. Located at 1155 Elliott Road, Gladys, VA 24554. Burial will follow at Cumbie Memorial Cemetery in Rustburg, VA.
Special Thanks to David and Shirley Falwell, Charles and Bee Falwell, John Ansted, Tim Posey, Mrs. D., Amanda Green, and Christine Wilkerson.
Whitten Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Timberlake Chapel, is serving the family.
