ROSE WILKES

Rose Marie was the eldest of six children born on February 18, 1942 to Johnny B. and Emma Mae (Ward) Lemon. While growing up on the westside of San Antonio, she attended San Antonio ISD and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1961. She earned a degree from Shannon School of Nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse.

Caring for others was her God-given passion and she began her 25-year career at the State Hospital in San Antonio. She then became a private duty nurse caring for patients in the comfort of their homes. Her skill and professionalism earned her the position of Director of Nursing for Everlasting Home Health Agency where she continued to provide exemplary service to those in need.

During her childhood years, Rose attended Grant Memorial AME Church and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Because of her love for singing, she travelled with the Goodwill Baptist Community Choir spreading the gospel. Later, she along with her aunt, Dollie Hall, joined Blue Bonnet Church of God in Christ under the late Supt. E. D. Childress. During the 1960's she and her aunt joined Grady Chapel Church of God in Christ under the late founder, Bishop M. G. Grady. Rose loved to sing in the choir and taught Sunday School classes. She later accepted the call to ministry and became a . licensed Evangelist Missionary. She developed a heart for prayer and led a weekly prayer meeting over a decade. Rose equally loved sharing the gospel with young people and encouraging them to pursue education and attain their goals.

She married the love of her life, a young, tall military man named William Tyree Wilkes, Jr. better known as WT, on March 29, 1969 and easily became a devoted and dedicated wife for 49 years until his demise. She was a loving mother to their two sons, William, and Brian Alan. She gained a daughter-in-love named Rose, and a grandson, London. She adored her family and loved rearing them to develop a personal relationship with God.

Rose spent numerous decades serving in ministry at Grady Chapel COGIC under the late Bishop M. G. Grady and continued her faithful service to the new pastor, Supt. Ricky Allen. Eventually the Lord ordered the steps of Brother WT and Sister Rose to Livingway Church where they joined in 2011. Rose happily served the Lord as a greeter with her beautiful smile. She will always be remembered for her heart, full of compassion, and her awesome culinary skills. She was The hostess to countless family gatherings which included friends to share in the blessings.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Tyree Wilkes, Jr; her parents Johnnie B. and Emma Mae (Ward) Lemon Tyler; stepfather Robert L . Tyler Sr.; and one sister Johnnie Mae Lemon.

Rose leaves to cherish to her memory her two sons: William Tyree III (Rose) Wilkes, and Brian Alan Wilkes; one grandson London Wilkes; two brothers: Wardell Sr. (Dora) Lemon and Randy Lemon; one sister Evelyn Boone, all of San Antonio. Her blended family: Melba Tyler-Ford of Missouri City, T X ; four brothers: Robert Jr (Patti) Tyler of Houston, TX , Sebron C. Il l (Ruby) Tyler, Donald Ray Tyler, and Gerald (Barbara) Tyler all of San Antonio. A special daughter, June Adair; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.