Amelia "Bebe" Wilkerson

Amelia Jane Wilkerson, known to most as “Bebe,” was called to her Heavenly home on Thursday, October 15, 2020, just a day shy of her 90th birthday.

Bebe was born on October 16, 1930 in Taylor, Texas to parents John and Jennie Wendland as one of four children. She attended school in Taylor and was an avid tennis player during her high school years. She followed the sport throughout her lifetime, and it was often you’d find her in front of a television cheering on her favorite players.

She married James Milton Wilkerson, “Buddy,” on October 21, 1950 and spent her younger years employed at Taylor Credit Bureau before retiring from City National Bank of Taylor.

Bebe was a vivacious and interesting woman with the most charismatic personality. She had an eye for fashion and home decor, and it was rare to see her without a fun, fancy outfit, and accessories. For holidays, her home was always decorated, and she particularly loved Christmas. Both Bebe and Buddy would make sure each of their children, grandchildren, and even friends of the family, had perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree.

She loved the outdoors and spent many hours in her garden admiring plants and flowers. She was particularly fond of roses and Buddy gifted them often. She also loved spending time at the beach and each October, to celebrate their birthdays and anniversary, they would spend the month on South Padre Island, reading books, relaxing, and soaking up the sun, an activity she loved dearly.

Bebe and Buddy were dedicated members of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor for more than 60 years, never missing a service.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Buddy, parents John and Jennie, one brother, Johnny Wendland, and two sisters, Rosemarie Schroeder, and Pauline “Teeny” Herzer.

She is survived by Doug Wilkerson and wife Sharon, Scott Wilkerson, Kelly Wilkerson and Amy Jost. Grandchildren: Ben Westland, Paige Wilkerson, Chris Wilkerson, Andrea Eiben and husband Coleman, Brittany Barcuch and husband Anthony, Haley Wilkerson, Brianna Wilkerson, and Alyson Jost. Great-Grandchildren: Ryan Barcuch, Addison Smith, Reid Barcuch and Rhett Barcuch.

Visitation service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with a memorial service at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in honor of Amelia “Bebe” Wilkerson.