Shawn Dewayne Wilkerson, Sr.

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathy the passing of Shawn Dewayne Wilkerson, Sr. on December 14, 2024.  Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. 

Shawn Dewayne Wilkerson, Sr., affectionately known as “Big Pop”, was born on October 24, 1958 in Fort Valley, Georgia, to the late Chester Arthur & Annie Pearl Zachery Wilkerson, Sr. He was a product of the Peach County school system’s graduating class of 1976 and a proud member of the Peach County Trojans football team (#45). To further his education, he attended Fort Valley State College where he studied Chemistry. 

 Shortly after graduating from Peach County High School, Shawn, Sr. married Brenda Edwards Wilkerson and they had six children together. He later married Vivian Jones-Wilkerson and together, they had two children. 

 Shawn, Sr. was well-loved, humorous, and skilled. He has worked as a finance and insurance salesman, a photographer, a truck and van driver, a general contractor, a plumber, a roofer, an electrician, and entrepreneur as the owner and operator of Wilkerson Vault Company. He was known to mentor and help many in his lifetime. He had a special fondness for the elderly and young people. He got along with everyone and was ready to help anyone that he could. He was a tough but mild-mannered and soft-spoken man who met his many challenges with humor and a smile. One of his favorite quotes was: "If you see me in a fight with a bear, help the bear". 

 He was preceded in death by an older sister, Theresa, and an older brother, Chester, Jr. 

 He is survived by his wife, Vivian Jones-Wilkerson; children: Shanita Howell (Vince), Shawn Wilkerson, Jr. (Jené), Sherrod Wilkerson (Andria), Shayla Outlaw (Chris), Sheronda Wilkerson, and Shaquez Wilkerson, Michael Jones-Wilkerson, and Christian Wilkerson; stepchildren: Niketa Jones (David), Quincy Jones, and Chemeka Jones; one sister, Angela Wilkerson; grandchildren: Justin (JT), Vince, William, Jonathan, Garrison, Zachery, Kendall, Hillary, Olivia, Austin, Justice, Clarke, Noah, and Aiden; a beloved nephew, Isiah (Elise); paternal aunt: Betty Mincey; three maternal uncles: Donevill Zachery, Nathan Zachery (Cynthia), and Clarence Zachery (Shirley); three maternal aunts: Elnora, Barbara, and Rachel Zachery; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, and friends who will continue to cherish his memory.