Alexander Wilkerson

Alexander James "AJ" Wilkerson, infant son of James and Stephana Wilkerson, passed away on September 11, 2019.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the New Life Church in Anderson, Missouri.  A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, an hour prior to services.  AJ will be laid to rest in the Anderson Cemetery.

Following is a letter to "AJ" from his parents.

Dear AJ,

My tears that I have cried for you outweigh your sweet perfect little body, but our love for each other outweighs this world.  Holding you and Steph are the most precious things to me.  I was there for you always.  I was there for you when you were made.  Every doctor’s visit I was there to see your beautiful face and hear your little heartbeat.  I loved sitting with Steph at night and playing with your hands and feet to get you to move in your mommy’s belly.  We are so proud of you. Your name Alexander comes from the great earthly conqueror and king of the earth who reigned over all the civilized world for many years.  Your Heavenly name was chosen by God, whose kingdom unlike Alexander the Great’s will never fail or fade, but will reign for all eternity.

I took you and your mommy waterskiing until you were born.  We took you to Florida to see your Grandma & Grandpa Gunnels, and to also see your Aunt Sheena, Uncle Greg, and cousin Gannon.  We took you to your Grandma and Papa Wilkerson’s.  You saw your Aunt Nicole, Uncle Cody, cousin’s Abby and Colton (you also got to meet them at the hospital).  We had a party for you with family and a birthday party for Colton.  You got to enjoy going to Silver Dollar City with us for my birthday.  I rode the roller coasters while mommy, grandma & papa watched.  You are loved so much by friends that showered you with love and gifts.  You got to hear your mommy and I play music on Sunday mornings.  I think you would have been such a talented musician and an excellent water-skier.

Your arrival was celebrated and passing is mourned in all corners of the world.  You held your mommy’s hand as you entered this world. After you were born you were not neglected in the hospital carrier, but held most of your life, which was the best 49 hours of our lives.  I looked forward to the family meals together.  We did have one with you.  Holding you, watching you, these are such precious memories.

We wanted to take you all around the world, but instead you reside in the ultimate destination of Heaven.  One day we’ll see you at that port of call.  I didn’t know if I could change a diaper or have trouble, but AJ the four of yours I changed with your mom mean so much to me.  You are the greatest adventure and no trip we take or travel destination will ever surpass the joy you gave us.  As a father and as your father I would do anything for you.  I will see you again.  My faith will not waver because I cannot miss heaven and not see you again.  Please tell our Grandma’s and Grandpa’s hello because I also miss them and think of them often.

You loved looking at your mommy and we loved looking into your big beautiful eyes and cute face as you smiled.  I will see you again.  I will always love you as I have always loved you.  I love my parents so much and I always knew they love me to, but you showed me how much a father and mother loves their child.  God you know our pain as you too lost your only Son, giving the most valuable and beloved thing in your life – your child - for us.  The next time we see each other will be when we see Jesus as we enter the gates of Heaven.  You no longer are a child that I will hold in my arms, but you are a tall angel that will wrap me in your arms as we reunite with a joyful hug that will be seen by all of Heaven.  We will have all eternity to spend together – I’m sure we will even have the chance to play praise songs together, so practice up for me ;) .  But for now I need to take care of your mommy whom I love so much, as you already know.  We both love you and will continue to love and remember you until that glorious day when we meet again.

With a heavy heart and lots of love,

Mommy & Daddy