Leslie Lee Wilkerson

Leslie Lee Wilkerson (“Berry”) was born on Nov. 5, 1953 in Pine Bluff, AR to the late Nathaniel “Shig” Wilkerson and Ethel Mae Johnson. She was the third child born to their union. In the late 50’s Nathaniel would follow his big brother Bill and head east with his family to settle in Springfield, MA. Leslie matriculated in Springfield Public Schools and wed the late Carl Edward Berry in the early 70’s and had two children India and Jermaine (“Jasiya”) Berry. In 1973, she gave birth to her third child Andre Thomas. Leslie was the definition of a “free spirit” and her candid persona allowed her to gain a sense of independence that set the tone for her years ahead. Even with her many health challenges, she was the family rock. She was the caretaker, supporter and cheerleader to her entire family, the super chef and you could always expect a feast in her home no matter the time of day. She was also everyone’s preferred spades partner!

More than anything, Leslie will be remembered for her beautiful and giving spirit. Her personality and sense of humor touched the hearts of each person that came her way. For the last few years, she greeted visitors with her positive energy, hilarious jokes and of course, you had to know your politics!  Despite all the pain that she endured, she loved hard, loud and kept a smile on her face that would brighten up a room. Leslie leaves behind her mother, Ethel Johnson,  

her only daughter India Berry, her two sons Jasiya (Jermaine) Muhtadi and Andre Thomas all of Boston; grandchildren Alexis, Breanna, Andreanna, Jeru, Izaiah, and Amelia. She was predeceased by her brother Nathaniel and sister Delores Wilkerson and leaves to mourn her siblings, Theodore Wilkerson, Dianne Wilkerson, Evelyn Wilkerson, Lannette Wilkerson, Kenneth Wilkerson, Kevin Brathwaite, Naomi Elaine Park, Patricia Wilkerson and Kelly Wilkerson a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. We will miss her!

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