Pastor Jerry Wilkerson

*CORRECT SERVICE INFORMATION BELOW** NOTE: A SERVICE CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PASTOR JERRY WILKERSON WILL BE HELD 11:00 A.M., ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026, AT MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH. THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH WILL OPEN AT 10:00 A.M. FOR PUBLIC VIEWING. ***ATTN: PLEASE SEE VISITATION & SERVICE TIMES LISTED BELOW ***MASKS ARE OPTIONAL AT THE CHURCH. HAND SANITIZER WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE CHURCH UPON REQUEST. ________________________________________ ATTENTION TO THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO VIEW SERVICES ONLINE FROM HOME, YOU HAVE (3) OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: 1. Go to Mt. Zion Baptist Church's website at: mtzionkalamazoo.org -Or 2. Go to YouTube and type in mtzionbaptistkalamazoo -Or 3. Go to Facebook, if you have a facebook account. after logging in, type in Myzionbaptistkalamazoo ***FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT USE THE INTERNET, YOU MAY LISTEN TO THE SERVICE ON YOUR PHONE BY CALLING: (269) 206-9635 _________________________________________ NOTE: THE DVD MEMORIAL TRIBUTE WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON _________________________________________ OBITUARY Pastor Jerry Wilkerson was one of ten siblings. He was born on October 20, 1956, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Sister Hattie Ann Phillips-Wilkerson and Deacon Bennie Will Wilkerson, Sr. Pastor Wilkerson accepted Christ at an early age while attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he was actively involved as a youth. Throughout the years, Pastor Wilkerson faithfully served Mt. Zion Baptist Church in many capacities, including usher, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and in his earlier years, as a coach and basketball player. As everyone knew, his favorite ministry was singing. His mother would often remind him, “Jerry, you can sing anything, but make sure you sing for Christ.” Pastor Wilkerson was blessed to attend Assemblies of God and Christian Life Center (now Stones Church) that helped form his Christian journey. Following graduation from Loy Norrix High School in 1974, he worked for Jewel Food Service, traveling to and from Chicago as a member of its management team. Pastor Wilkerson began a career with The Upjohn Company and later Corium International. His anointed voice and love of music led him to form a gospel music group, Zion, along with several close friends. With the support of a music executive, the group recorded, produced, and released the self-titled recording in 1993. The album was well received, and the group performed throughout the Midwest at gospel concerts, churches, and special community events. The album also featured Pastor Wilkerson in a duet titled “What Kind of Love” with renowned recording artist Vickie Winans. Under the leadership of Dr. Addis Moore, Pastor Wilkerson was called to the ministry, licensed in 2007, and ordained in March of 2011. That same year, he was called to serve as Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, where he made a significant impact on the lives of the church family. Pastor Wilkerson served Friendship Baptist Church faithfully until he was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He transitioned into his heavenly body and picked up his robe in glory on December 31, 2025. From a previous marriage, he was blessed with a son, Jevon Jeremy Wilkerson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a daughter, Jonvea Casandra Wilkerson-Johnson of Arlington, Texas; one granddaughter, Jayla Johnson; and two grandsons, Jordon and Aiden Johnson, all of Arlington, Texas. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, Elder Bennie Will Wilkerson, Jr. Pastor Wilkerson leaves to celebrate his life his beloved wife of twenty-three years, Gloria Ollie Wilkerson; two bonus sons, JeRon Johnson and Jaquay Ollie Johnson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two sisters, Lee (Evert) Mitchell of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Deloris Wilkerson of Maricopa, Arizona; and six brothers: Andrew (Dawn) Wilkerson and Robert “R.J.” (Anita) Wilkerson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; John Wilkerson of Independence, Missouri; Arthur (Ronda) Wilkerson of Phoenix, Arizona; Bruce (Linda) Wilkerson of Atlanta, Georgia; and Victor Wilkerson of Stone Mountain, Georgia. His life continues to be honored by his mother-in-law, Mary Ollie of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sisters-in-law Audrey Lipsey-Wilkerson, Cynthia (Robert) McKinley of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Melva Pettway of Thomasville, North Carolina; brothers-in-law - Darryl Ollie, Anthony (Cheryl) Ollie, Leonard McElrath, Billy Joe (Hazel) McElrath of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Michael McElrath of Three Rivers, Michigan; Marvin (Nina) Ollie of DeSoto, Texas; and Lonnie (Mary) Ollie of Horn Lake, Mississippi; two very special goddaughters, Ka’Miyah and Kha’Leaha Whitfield; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He will be deeply missed by his best friends and brothers, Loyal Zachery, Minister Kelvin Moore, Luther Hamilton, and Reverend Ron Franklin, as well as the entire Friendship Baptist Church family.

Pastor Jerry Wilkerson

October 20, 1956 - December 31, 2025