Major USAF (Ret) Joy Wilkerson of Sheridan, Arkansas was born November 9, 1941 in Sheridan, the daughter of the late Aubrey Warren and Ruth Chandler Wilkerson. She was a proud Patriot, having served her country in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Major. Joy was a member of Lost Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and was active in the Grant County American Legion Post. She also belonged to the Class of 1959-er's. Joy had a servant's heart and was so caring and giving to countless numbers of people, many that she never even met. Her entire life was one of serving her country, as well as her fellow man, and she leaves a rich legacy that will live on.

Joy died Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, at the age of 74. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Lou Harris and Sarah Simpson.


Survivors include her beloved roommate of 30 years, Christa Bruner of Sheridan; sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Trena Bruner, and Peter and Debra Bruner of Sheridan; brothers, Warren Wilkerson of Sheridan, Conrad and wife Myrtle Wilkerson of Memphis, Tennessee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alma and Jim Justus of Little Rock, Peggy and Lindsey Bellomy, Gail and Orrin Damron, all of Sheridan; brother-in-law, Duel Simpson, of Sheridan; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; a host of very special nieces, nephews and friends.



Visitation will be held Monday, December 21, 2015, 5:00-7:00 P.M., at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 7:00 P.M., with Bro. Michael Walton officiating. Memorials may be made to the Grant County Chapter of the American Legion, P.O. Box 672, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.