Willene Ervin Hardgrow Wilkerson, age 91, of Kimberly, West Virginia, found eternal peace on April 2, 2026. She was born on August 27, 1934, in London, WV, to the late Willie (Diggs) Ervin and Eddie S. Ervin.
At a young age, Willene accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She joined First Baptist Church in London, where she was baptized by Reverend J.C. Young. Later in life, she continued her walk of faith as a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Deep Water, WV. Her love for the Lord was the foundation of her life, guiding her strength, compassion, and unwavering spirit.
Willene was a strong-willed and hardworking woman who took immense pride in providing for her family. She wore many hats throughout her lifetime, building an impressive 50-year career that spanned from Youngstown, Ohio to Alloy, West Virginia. Her work included positions with the Youngstown Board of Education, as well as providing cleaning services for various offices, including The Hillside Clinic, where she worked alongside Dr. Enrique Aguilar and Dr. Lewis Elias. She also worked for Mountain State Insurance, Montgomery National Bank, and ultimately retired from Elkem Metals. Her dedication and work ethic were a testament to her resilience and determination.
Beyond her professional life, Willene’s greatest joy was her family. There was nothing in this world she cherished more. She was unwavering in her love and support for her family and friends, and her pride in her children and especially her grandchildren was something she made known to anyone who would listen. Her presence was a constant source of strength, wisdom, and laughter.
Willene found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time on the phone catching up with loved ones, shopping, reading the daily newspaper, and watching her favorite television shows, including Judge Judy, The Young and the Restless, and WWE wrestling. These moments brought her comfort and happiness, and they will forever remind us of her vibrant spirit.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Larry, Stewart, O’Dell (Monte), Jackie, and Eddie Ervin; and her sisters, Nila Ervin and Lucresia Keeby.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her five beloved children: Sandra Smith, of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Raymond Terrell of Las Vegas, Nevada; Hermina (Robert) Radford of Jacksonville, Arkansas; William “Stu” (Donna) Terrell of Charleston, West Virginia; and Paulette (Robert) Hayes of Columbus, Ohio. She also leaves behind her beloved best friend of 19 years, Mr. Donald White of Kimberly, WV, as well as 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren, along with extended family and many dear friends who will forever cherish and honor her legacy.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, we do so with hearts full of gratitude—for her resilience, her unwavering support, her wisdom, and her unmistakable wit. Her legacy of love will live on in all who knew her.
