Mother Charlene M. Wilkes

Mother Charlene Marie Lewis Wilkes was born September 16, 1924 to Charlie Lewis and Melvin Hawkins Lewis in Idabell, Oklahoma. She was the fourth of eight children including five brothers and two sisters. Mother Wilkes’ early education was Springhill Elementary School through eighth grade and then attended Slater-Rosewall high School, graduating in 1942. Mother Wilkes’ mother passed when she was nine years old. After that time, she helped care for her siblings, her and older sibling, Bertha. Mother Wilkes passed the State Board of Cosmetologist in 1956. In 1965 Mother Wilkes said God spoke to her spirit to move to Kansas City, Missouri. She and her four children relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. She was always trying to do what the Lord commanded her to do and putting her trust in God knowing that He will make away. She stood on that kind of Faith. She continued to work as a cosmetologist, specializing in manicures, pedicures, tints and hair dyes. She worked at Pierre’s Beauty Salon on the Plaza and Lola Dews Beauty Salon, Brookside area, both in Kansas City, Missouri. Mother Wilkes had been a member of Southside First Missionary Baptist Church since March 8, 1971 and remained until her departure. She was a faithful servant to the end! She was part of the Senior Companions, worked Voting Booths during elections, President of the Council at Pemberton Heights Apartments where she also was a tenant. Mother Wilkes married her high school sweetheart Lrolus Hall. From this union they had four children, Ronnie (Rainbow) Hall, Harvey Hall, Cleola Hall Randall, Kennetha Hall. Some years later, she married Mr. Artis Paul. From this union four more children, Arlene Paul Morton, Artis Paul, Jr., Vanessia Paul-Dozier, Vincent Paul. Mother Wilkes was preceded in death by two children, Tremayne Hall and Annetreauna Paul. Out of eight siblings, six have preceded her in death. She has two twin brothers, the youngest of her siblings, Lloyd Lewis (Uncle Little) and Loy Lewis (Uncle Big). Mother Wilkes leaves to cherish her memories eight children, Ronnie (Rainbow) Hall (Karen), Cleala Randall, Harvey Hall (Mae), Kennetha Hall (Mary), Arlene Morton, Artis Paul, Vanessa Paul Dozier (Elza), Vincent Paul (Tyla); nineteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives from Germany, Oklahoma, Kansas City, Missouri and friends. Mother Wilkes got the name Monie from her granddaughter, Trina Payne. She couldn’t say grandma so she called her Monie. Everyone started calling her Monie. We’ll miss you Moma/Monie. Funeral Serices are pending. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Mother Charlene M. Wilkes

September 16, 1924 - February 18, 2025