Venita Leola Wilkins

Venita Leola Iker Wilkinson, age 98 years, 5 months, 2 days, waited patiently for her entrance into the eternal home promised and prepared by her Savior, Jesus Christ. HE received her there October 17, 2017, welcoming her—HIS faithful daughter—with great enthusiasm! She, in turn, worshiped HIM—her faithful GOD—at HIS feet! As with most, her earthly years mixed joys and sorrows. She was born May 15, 1919 at Caddo, Okla., to Charles L. Iker and Edna Pearl Graham Iker. Growing up in several areas of Oklahoma, she moved to Arkansas around 1939. Her final earthly home for eight years was with her daughter, Phyllis, and son-in-law, Doty, in Springdale for 6 years and Bentonville for 2 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry G. Wilkinson Sr.; two brothers, Archie Iker of Oklahoma City and Allen Iker of Stockton, Calif.; three sisters, Bertie of Minnesota, Car Bush of Chickasha, Okla., and Lavada Nichols of Norman, Okla. Survivors include: one sister, Edith Hausauer of Stockton, Calif.; three sons: Harry G. Wilkinson Jr., and wife, Ruth, of Exeter, MO; Wayne Rowe and wife, Freda, of Batesville, Ark.; Donnie Rowe of Siloam Springs, Ark.; two daughters: Mary Rogers of Springdale; Phyllis Murphy and husband, Doty, of the home; 12 grandchildren; 17 + great-grands…and baby Reagan Elizabeth Murphy (who greeted Mawmaw upon her arrival in heaven); in addition, many friends and fellow Christians impacted by her life will miss her greatly! Her education in Oklahoma continued through the 8th grade, graduating in 1933 during the Great Depression. She then stayed home in order for a younger brother to attend school. Full of determination and courage, she became a skilled office manager and bookkeeper in her husband's several businesses, including Wilkinson Motors of Springdale and Springdale Pepsi Distributors. Later, she worked as a sales clerk at Springdale Department Store, followed by many years of faithful ministry at the Springdale Clinic. She grew to adulthood in a church-going family, but never heard clearly about personal salvation. At age 30, she first understood the Good News: Christ died for her sins, was buried, rose again the third day, providing forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who trust HIM. She put her total trust in JESUS, and began to learn what the Christian life was meant to be. She became an active part of a small group of Christians who formed Immanuel Baptist Church of Springdale. Active for many years, she was the last surviving Charter Member of Immanuel. Her life and ministry impacted many, many individuals. She loved deeply and sacrificially…and now waits for us—us who also know JESUS as Savior—to join her in HIS presence! Here follows her entreaty to all: TRUSTING CHRIST ALONE FOR SALVATION IS LIFE'S MOST IMPORTANT DECISION! DON'T WAIT EVEN ONE MORE HOUR! Viewing will take place at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Springdale from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, October 20, 2017. Funeral services will be conducted at Immanuel Baptist Church in Springdale at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017, conducted by Pastor Ed DeLapp of Bentonville, and under the direction of Backstrom-Pyeatt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Voice of the Martyrs, 1815 SE Bison, Bartlesville, Okla. 74006, or online at www.Persecution.com.