Spencer F. Wilkerson

Spencer F. Wilkerson, 96, of Lancaster, PA, died on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at home surrounded by family. Born in Amelia County, Virginia, he was the son of the late Flippen P. and Joanna Barley Wilkerson. He was the husband of the late Ruby Wilson Wilkerson who died in 2007. Spencer graduated from Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg. He was drafted in the U.S. Army and served in the 28th Calvary 2nd Calvary Division during WWII. After the war and with the help of the G.I. Bill, Spencer was able to graduate from Eckels College of Mortuary Science and attend Temple University, both in Philadelphia, PA. On October 10, 1945 in Rouen, France, he married the late Ruby M. Wilkerson who was serving in the Women’s Army Corps with the all black 6888th Central Postal Director Battalion. They honeymooned in Paris, France. Spencer served with the Hooper Memorial Funeral Home in Harrisburg, PA for seven years. He also completed two years at Thompson Business College. He was employed by the Harrisburg State Department and later employed at the Middletown Air Depot where he remained until it was phased out. In 1957, Spencer moved to Lancaster, PA and founded the Spencer F. Wilkerson Funeral Home at 502 South Christian Street, which later relocated to 1045 East King Street. He worked full time at the Lancaster Post Office until he retired in 1980. In 1988 he sold his funeral business to, and went to work for Fred F. Groff, Inc. He is a past member of many groups and organizations such as: past member of Unity Lodge of Elks #71 I.B.P.O.E. of W. Harrisburg, PA, past Chairman of the Housing Board of Appeals, past Chairman of the N.A.A.C.P. Housing Board, past member of the Lancaster County Funeral Directors Association and past member of its Board of Governors. Just to mention a few. He was also a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Urban League Housing Development. Most of Spencer’s happiest times were spent with his family, playing golf, taking cruises, reading and cars. He is survived by his son, Spencer F. Wilkerson, Jr. and his daughter, Joanna L. Wilkerson, both of Lancaster, two grandchildren, Joshua and Patrinia Wilkerson, three great-grandchildren: Desmarie, MacKenzie and Zaydeair Wilkerson, one brother, John Henry Wilkerson and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, James Wilkerson. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Spencer’s Funeral Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 N. Lime Street, Lancaster on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Roland P. Forbes officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Spencer’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or Make a Wish Foundation, 1054 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.