Lois Ruth Wilkerson

Lois Ruth Hill Wilkerson, 85, passed away in Asheville, NC on January 12, 2021. Ruth was born on April 15, 1935 in Dandridge, TN, to the late Hazel Newman Hill and William Franklin Hill. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Joe Douglas Wilkerson and her son, Steven Craig Wilkerson. Ruth is survived by her sisters Jo Hill Lindsey and Kay Hill Beeler of Knoxville, TN, brother Sam L. Hill of Saint Petersburg, FL; son Mark Wilkerson and his wife Eloise of Montgomery, AL; son David Wilkerson and his wife Kristen of Asheville, NC; and daughter Dr. Anne Wilkerson of San Luis Obispo, California. She also leaves behind five treasured grandchildren; Ruth Wilkerson of Montgomery, AL and Anne Miles Golson of Birmingham, AL; and Charlotte, Peter, and Grant Wilkerson of Asheville, NC; one grandson-in-law, Hunter Golson of Birmingham, AL; a great-granddaughter, Emma Golson of Birmingham, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was a fiercely loyal and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was raised in Dandridge, where she met Joe, who was the love of her life. The family moved often for his job, including to Nashville, Jackson Hole, Atlanta, Raleigh, and Montgomery. Ruth endured the pain of losing her son, Steve, when he was only five years old. Having paused her college education to marry and raise her children, Ruth later pursued a degree at Perimeter College in Atlanta, which she completed with high honors. Her intelligence, coupled with her sharp wit, were valued and appreciated by those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. Ruth’s life serves as an illustration of perseverance and devotion. Although her husband preceded her in death by twelve years, it surprised no one that during her recent hospitalization, she requested that her children make sure her wedding rings were safe and secure. Outside her family, Ruth enjoyed reading books and cookbooks and watching scary movies. Ruth will be remembered for her commitment to equality, her love for family, and her devotion to her husband. A small, socially-distanced graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2020 at 11:30 AM at Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Dandridge with the Rev. Jason McIntosh officiating and arrangements made by Farrar Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shady Grove Methodist Church, 1675 Harold Patterson Rd, Dandridge, TN 37725 or to the charity of your choice.