James "Brother Joseph" Wilkerson

JAMES EDWARD "BROTHER JOSEPH" WILKERSON James Edward "Brother Joseph" Wilkerson of Rock Hill died Thursday, March 20, 2014. Born in Havana, Florida, on July 14, 1944, he is survived by six brothers: Rudolph C. Wilkerson, Jr. (Carol), Orlando, Florida; Richard D. Wilkerson, Orlando, Florida; Robert H. Wilkerson, Sr. (Theresa), Jacksonville, Florida; Thomas A. Wilkerson (Angela), Young Harris, Georgia; Gerald E. Wilkerson, St. Simons Island, Georgia; and Joseph C. Wilkerson (Keiko), Nagano, Japan. He is also survived by sisters Margaret W. Androff (David), Phoenix, Arizona; Theresa W. Kontos, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and step-sister Linda E. Carrne (Ron), North Augusta, South Carolina. Numerous nieces and nephews survive as well as the members of the Oratory community. He was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph C. Wilkerson, Sr., and Aletha Doke Wilkerson; his stepmother Betty S. Wilkerson; his sister Mary W. Stalcup; and his brothers-in-law Edward Stalcup, Sr., and the Rev. George Kontos. Brother Joseph had lived in Rock Hill since he joined The Oratory in 1962. During his 52 years as an Oratorian brother, his many ministries included teaching catechism classes, supervising The Oratory's summer camp at Kings Mountain State Park, and visiting and comforting the sick and dying at local hospitals and nursing homes. His calm assurance and deep faith brought great comfort to those he touched. In addition, his hospitality ministry at The Oratory was well known for its warmth and sincerity. Among his many honors and recognitions, Brother Joseph received the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice award (for the Church and the Pontiff) from Pope John Paul II. Awardees are honored for providing outstanding service and assistance to their communities. Also known as the Cross of Honor, it was established in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII as the highest Papal award bestowed on any individual. The late Bishop David Thompson presented the award to Brother Joseph at a ceremony in Charleston, SC, in the spring of 1999. The Wake will take place at 7:30 P.M. on Friday, March 28, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rock Hill. A Funeral Mass will be at Noon on Saturday, March 29, at St. Mary's with interment to follow in Laurelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Oratory, P.O. Box 11586, Rock Hill, SC, 29731. On line condolences made be registered at http://www.basscares.com/

Visitation Details

Friday, March 28th, 2014 7:30pm, St. Mary's Catholic Church

Service Information

Saturday, March 29th, 2014 12:00pm, St. Mary's Catholic Church

Interment Details

Laurelwood Cemetery