Dr. Ellis Wilkins

Dr. Ellis Wilkins was born June 2, 1930, in Wesson, Arkansas to John Cleveland and Annie Bessie Wilkins. He united with Beulah Grove Baptist Church at an early age, and later united with Douglas Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J.I. Thomas. Dr. Wilkins served as musician at Beulah Grove for eight years, and also served as musician for several other churches in the area, including Douglas Chapel Baptist Church, where he preached his first sermon in 1971. Dr. Wilkins attended and graduated from Junction City Negro High School in May of 1949. he then entered the US Army in 1951 and served during the Korean War. After a night of singing at a church service, he noticed the most beautiful girl in the crowd, Mary Louise Manning, (Affectionally referred to as his "girlfriend") who later became his wife. They joined in holy matrimony on January 12, 1954, and to this union four daughters were born. Dr. Wilkins served as pianist for the Congress of Christian Education, and the CMBS Convention of Arkansas for 21 years: Musician for the Moderator's Auxillary to the National Baptist Convention USA for 12 years: and he was the founder /organizer of the "J&W Trio". Dr. Wilkins was also an ordained Deacon at Douglas Chapel Baptist Church for eight years: and Moderator for the Friendship District of Union County for eight years. He served on the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Baptist College for 24 years and received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Arkansas Baptist Church. Dr. Wilkins was the former pastor of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Oak Grove, Arkansas (built a new edifice); the Damascus Baptist Church, Magnolia, Arkansas and St. John Baptist Church, Eldorado, Arkansas where he served for 16 years and assisted in the beginning of and finished the completion of the new church. Dr. Wilkins was a Certified Bible Instructor approved by the Sunday School Publishing Board of Nashville, Tennessee, and is the past President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Union County. He also served as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff of Eldorado for eight years. He began his theological study at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Eldorado, as well as the United Theological Seminary of Monroe, Louisiana. Affectionately referred to the "The God father," Dr. Wilkins served as 1st Vice President of GBSC and was later elected Vice President at Large of GBSC. He reorganized the GBSC Choir and was instrumental in assisting several individuals in acquiring Honorary Doctorate from Arkansas Baptist College. Dr. Wilkins was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Mary Louise "MaDea" Wilkins, siblings Myrtle Moore, Maxine Davis, Roy C., Menifee Wilkins, J.C.Wilkins and Dr. Gary Levy (Milwaukee brother). He leaves to cherish his memories his children, Connie Wilkins; Chyrel Thorton (Rev. Clarence); Cynthia Wilkins; Charlotte Wilkins (Gary); Helen Christain (John); Dewanda Robinson (Rufus) and David Wilkins (Sheena). Special daughters Darlene Smith, Lisa Kimball, Valarie Easter, Latanya Jones-Harden, LaDonna Jones-Jamerson, Regina Jones-Wells and Clarissa Jones-Pace. He was blessed with 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

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