Martha P. Wilkerson

Martha Palmer Wilkerson, 94, died peacefully surrounded by family on the 8th day of February 2024.

She was born December 24, 1929, in Lexington, the daughter of the late Alphadine “Dean” (Kelley) Palmer and Walter M. Palmer. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlyle E. Wilkerson.

Mrs. Wilkerson was a graduate of Robert E Lee High School and Dunsmore Business School. She served on Session for Second Presbyterian Church, and had a lifetime membership in Presbyterian Women. She was Program Coordinator Emeritus of Martha's Meals on Wheels, and was recently honored with recognition from the House of Representatives for fifty years of service to her community. She was a volunteer and bookkeeper for the Atrium Fair and Thrift Shop of Augusta Medical Center. She was a charter member of the Augusta Regional SPCA, and many people will remember her as a longtime "Welcome Wagon" hostess for Staunton.

She is survived by her special and close cousins, M. Scott Kelley and his wife, Mary Ann (Michaela; Faith and Alex); Kimberley Hermanson and her husband, Brian (Briana, Timothy and Theodore; Dean); and Joseph Kelley and his wife, Heather (Caila). She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Nancy Carey, and her special friend and caregiver, Mary Ellen Earhart.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Second Presbyterian Church in Staunton at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Dr. Evan Smith officiating. A graveside service will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Back, Chuck Lendermon, Chuck Blackley, Woodie Wimer, Jim Wright, Buddy Hutchins, Bob Seaman, and Bill Terry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Martha's Meals on Wheels (PO Box 2354, Staunton, VA 24402), Second Presbyterian Church (201 West Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401), or Hospice of Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, PO Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939).