Ernestine Wilkinson

Obituary

With profound sadness and hearts filled with love, gratitude, and cherished memories, the family of our beloved Ernestine Augusta Wilkinson, affectionately known as “Miss Willy,” “Mother,” “Granny,” “Auntie,” and “Nenny,” announces her peaceful passing on September 22, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 92. A longtime resident of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, she was born on October 7, 1933, on the beautiful island of Nevis, West Indies. She was preceded in death by her parents, Susanna Wilkinson and Harold “Will Will” Roberts.

Raised by her grandmother, the late Rhoda Eliza Ward, affectionately known as “Miss Rhody,” Ernestine learned from an early age the importance of hard work, responsibility, and caring for family. She moved to St. Thomas in 1955, where she worked for the Charles Bellows family for eleven years before relocating to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1966. There, she continued her strong work ethic and determination, holding positions as a hairdresser, retail clerk, and nursing assistant at Sinai Hospital while providing for her family.

In 1986, Ernestine returned to St. Thomas to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams as the owner and operator of a food truck business. Although she did not initially know how to drive, her determination led her to master the skill and faithfully operate her food truck at John Brewers Beach for the next ten years. Her delicious pâtés and refreshing drinks became favorites among locals and visitors alike, especially those traveling toward Bordeaux. Ernestine was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose life was defined by love, generosity, and hospitality. She found immense joy in caring for others and often expressed her affection through home-cooked meals and the cakes she lovingly baked and shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Ernestine built a remarkable life through perseverance and determination. Retirement was never a goal she eagerly embraced. Through the Department of Human Services Senior Program, she was assigned to Joseph Gomez Elementary School, where she faithfully served for 19 years, encouraging and supporting young scholars. She often proudly said that she was going to “teach the students.” Had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, she would likely have continued serving there even longer. After finally retiring, Ernestine enjoyed tending to her garden, caring for her home, and living a simple yet fulfilling life. Remarkably, at 92 years young, she still drove herself to the supermarket, church, and post office. When she chose not to drive, she gladly took a safari into town to run errands. Another of her great passions was travel, and she often delighted in saying, “I’ve been all over the world.”

Ernestine remained active, independent, and deeply faithful throughout her life. She attended church regularly, stayed engaged in her community, and approached each day with strength, resilience, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her life leaves a lasting legacy of love, hard work, generosity, and treasured memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though her mind remained sharp, her body gently signaled that it was time to rest. And so, we say, rest peacefully now, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Auntie, Cousin, and Friend.