Myrtle Louise Wilkerson

Myrtle Louise Wilkerson went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2023, having lived on earth for 100 years, 8 months and 4 days. She was born on August 9, 1922 in Santa Paula, California, to Homer Richards and Adeline Viola (Hatcher) Aten. Her mother passed away when Myrtle was only 5 years old, and she grew up with various aunts, uncles and relatives. She worked several jobs during her high school career. Once, when Myrtle was 18 years old, she worked as a waitress in Ojai, California, and she waited on a young child actress who was celebrating her 13th birthday, Shirley Temple.

Myrtle graduated from Ventura Junior College twice, once at Grade 12 and again with her Associate Degree two years later. Myrtle then served a two-year stint in the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) in the Navy during World War 2. It was during this time of voluntary service that she met Merritt Wilkerson, a boatswain’s mate in the Navy. They married on June 1, 1945 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Merritt and Myrtle lived the first years of their marriage in Tucson, Arizona, where Merritt worked as an evangelist. They moved to Deming, New Mexico, and started a flower shop and nursery business in 1956, where they worked until their retirement in 1976. During the early years in Deming Myrtle also worked in a doctor’s office. Because she tried to help everyone cure their ailments, she was given the nickname, “Little Doc”. She lived up to that nickname the rest of her life. In 1979 Merritt and Myrtle moved to San Angelo, Texas where Merritt continued his church work until his death in December 1995.

To their marriage were born two sons. Paul Wilkerson, and wife Karen, of San Angelo; and David Wilkerson, of Cebu, Philippines. Grandchildren are Amy Wilkerson, Johanna Winner and husband John, Jonathan Wilkerson and wife Lindsay, Matthew Wilkerson and wife Nana, Sam Wilkerson and Jay Wilkerson. Myrtle is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren: Lucy, Lily, Jack, Slate Madelyn, Steele, Cove, Jaden, Brayden, Maya, Valerie and Leah.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edward Lawrence Aten, and her husband, Merritt Mecham Wilkerson.

Myrtle was a member of the 19th Street Church of Christ, and faithfully served in the church for 76 years. She was a beautiful example of charity and care, and would volunteer to worry about almost everyone. The family is grateful to all the care givers that attended to Myrtle during her last seven years of life. We are especially thankful for the dedication and sacrifice of Ms. Audrey Crabtree.

The graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Fairmount Cemetery on Ave. N in San Angelo. A memorial service will be held following the graveside service at 11:30 am at the 19th Street Church of Christ, 86 E. 19th Street, San Angelo, Texas. Please share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.