Bernice

Bernice Sue Anderson Wilkinson, 101, of Kenbridge, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hickory Hill Retirement Community near Burkeville.

She was born on March 2, 1925, in Halifax County, the 5th of 6 children of the late Willard Kent Anderson and Rebecca Sue Perkins Anderson. When she was 13 years old, the family moved to Lunenburg County, where she resided until December 2020 when she entered the memory care unit of Hickory Hill.

Bernice was an honors graduate of Kenbridge High School. On March 24, 1951, she married Robert Edward “Bobby” Wilkinson, also of Lunenburg County. A daughter of a farmer, she then became a farmer’s wife and continued her lifelong hard work and dedication to the success of their farming endeavors. She was a devoted wife and mother whose strong Christian faith was evident to all. She always raised a large vegetable garden and shared the abundance with family and friends. She also enjoyed flower gardening and excelled in raising beautiful irises.

She was a longtime member of Dundas Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was treasurer of the Women’s Missionary Union, was director of Vacation Bible School, and was church clerk for 40 years. In her younger years she was an active member of the Lochleven Home Demonstration Club and the Dundas Garden Club.

Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby, in a tragic drowning accident May 9, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her five siblings: Virginia Whitlow, Thomas Anderson, Christine Myers, Julia Beck and Odelia Beck.

She is survived by her three children: Brenda Wilkinson of Harrisonburg; Robert Wilkinson, Jr. and his wife, Pam, of Kenbridge; and Thomas Kent Wilkinson of Kenbridge. She is also survived by two cherished grandchildren: Gus Wilkinson, and his wife, Lauren Stull, of Lexington; and Lena Puryear, and her husband, Rick, of South Hill. In addition, she is survived by five precious great-grandchildren: Cade Wilkinson, Allie Puryear, Clay Wilkinson, Caroline Puryear, and Blair Wilkinson. She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Hickory Hill Retirement Community, and especially to the staff in the memory care unit, for their tender care of our mother for 5.5 years. They treated “Miss Bernice” or “Bernie” with much respect, compassion, professionalism and love.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 am at Dundas Baptist Church, 3953 Dundas Road, Dundas, VA 23938.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening, July 31, from 6:30-8:00 pm at Clarke Funeral Home, 110 East Fifth Avenue, Kenbridge, VA 23944.

Flowers are welcome; or, if preferred, please consider donations in memory of Bernice to Dundas Baptist Church, P. O. Box 125, Dundas, VA 23938. She would want you to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)