To summarize a person’s life in a few paragraphs does not do justice to a person who was as extraordinary as Lessie, but here are a few highlights.
On April 19, 1921, in Chandler, Oklahoma, Richard and Eva Hines gave birth to a baby girl, who they named Lessie Sarah Hines. She was the youngest of 11 siblings, four brothers and seven sisters. Later in life the family moved to Bristow, Oklahoma, where she attended college.
Lessie spent her early years in Oklahoma where she met the love of her life, Everette McKerson. They were united in marriage on July 14, 1944. A few years later they moved to Stockton, California, where Lessie gave birth to two precious girls, Patricia Ann and Jacqueline. Everette and Lessie were happily married for 64 years before the Lord called him home.
She accepted the Lord as her savior early in life. Her father was a minister, and her mother was a mid-wife. As a result, she had excellent role models and was a devoted community servant. She always extended her hand to pull those in need forward. Sister McKerson was an active member of Second Baptist Church for 64 years. She served as Assistant Church Clerk, a missionary, a member of the choir, she served as a teacher for vacation bible school and Sunday school, and also served as a radio announcer for the church.
She was also active in various civic and social affairs. She served as president of the Excelsior Civic Club, Stockton Chapter of The Links, NAACP, Board Member of the Children’s Home Society, Church Women United, Assistant Camp Fire Leader, O.E.S. Worthy Matron and Secretary, President of the Busy Bee Sewing Club and Les Me Danes Club. She was listed in the “Who’s Who” Among Black Women in California. She served as president of the PTA for McKinley Elementary School, John Marshall Junior High School, and Edison Senior High School. She was also given the honor as a Lifetime Member of Legacy Ladies, Inc.
She enjoyed writing notes and calling the sick and home based. She loved sports and was an avid Sacramento Kings fan and an avid bowler
To her family of friends, she was called Mother McKerson, Lessie, and Sister McKerson. Her children and family members affectionately called her Big Meme, Mommy, Meme, Mother, and she will always be remembered as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” She answered to all because she was the proud matriarch of her family and would give words of encouragement and advice to the young and the old. She loved her girls and their families, and they will love her forever.
Lessie’s life will be cherished with memories by her family: two daughters, Patricia (Richard) Wade, and Jacqueline (James) Castillo, Grandsons, Justin (Mariette) Castillo, Travon (Mercedes) Wilkerson, Granddaughters Stacey Samuel and Tracey (Marcus), Ward, Jasmine (DJ) Ruffin, Janae Wilkerson, Great Grand Children: Joseph Castillo, Mason Castillo, Catelyn Samuel, Camryn Samuel, Malohn Ruffin, Markel Ruffin, Monae Ruffin, Travon Wilkerson, Jr., La’Nae Wilkerson, Aniah Wilkerson, and Armani Richard.
SERVICE:
Services will be held 10:00am on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 3996 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820.
Burial immediately following services at Cherokee Memorial Park, HWY 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi, CA 95240.
