Bertha Pearl Wilkinson, Blue Springs was born January 17, 1927, in Boonville, MO the fourth child to Martin and Bertha (Langlotz) Johnmeyer.
During Pearl’s early years in Boonville, she attended Westwood School through the eighth grade and graduated from Boonville High School in 1944. She graduated from Kansas City Secretarial School in 1945. She has been a faithful member of the Methodist Church since 1936. She was employed by Aireon Manufacturing Company, Harold Lumber Company, and Trout’s Bakery. She lived in Boonville, Odessa, Lone Jack, Kansas City, and most recently in Blue Springs, MO Since 1969.
After her retirement from Remington Arms Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in 1985, she assisted husband Ralph in his love of auctions and antiques. She was married to Ralph A. Wilkinson in 1951 until his passing in 2008.
Pearl has been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blue Springs since 1969. She served in the church for 20 years in capacity as teacher, piano player, and choir director in the children’s department. She gave private piano lessons for years. She enjoyed playing piano for the church service at Waterford Retirement Home in Blue Springs until 2020 (Covid pandemic).
Pearl was a devoted wife and was preceded in death by her parents Martin C. Johnmeyer and Bertha C. Johnmeyer; husband Ralph; brothers Casper and Robert and sister Isabel Johnmeyer, and grandson Evan Banks. Her survivors include:
Daughters (3): Patricia Wiseman and husband Tom of Blue Springs; Carolyn Marsh and husband Jeff of Lee’s Summit; and Rebecca Brown and husband Kevin of Bedford, TX
Grandchildren (7): Greg Wiseman and wife Jamie; Christy Buckner and husband Jeff; Brandon Banks and wife Amanda; Elaine Lipowicz and husband Ed; Trevor Brown and wife Lauren; Tyler Brown; Leslie Marsh
Great Grandchildren (13): Madison, Shelby, and Abby Wiseman; Lexi, Carter, and Gracie Buckner; Katie Hill and husband Austin; Brian Buckner and wife Jackie; Alexandria Swearingen; Brennan Lipowicz; Whitney, Jared, and Justin Banks
Great Great Grandchildren (4): Bowen, Lillian, and Bexley Hill; Dale Buckner
Her family will receive family and friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main Street, Blue Springs, MO. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Burial will follow at the Lone Jack Cemetery in Lone Jack, MO. In lieu of flowers, Pearl requested memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church in Blue Springs, MO. Memories of Pearl and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
We are so sorry to hear about Pearl’s passing. Our deepest condolences to all. Pearl was blessed with a wonderful family and please know our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.
So sorry to hear of Pearls passing. What a wonderful person. She was always there to be my helper when doing Bible school. We always sat together in church on Sundays. Even though Ivan and I moved out of the area, thought of Pearl a lot. I know she will be missed.
Pat, Carolyn, Becky – MY heart is with you!! you girls are so fortunate to have had your Mother in your lives for so long!!!! Pearl was the real deal!! Pass it on!!! LOVE to the entire FAMILY. Carolyn Brown
Afternoons playing at “Uncle” Ralph and “Aunt” Perl’s with my cousin Elaine, will forever be a highlighted collection of fond childhood memories of mine. As some know, Ralph’s older brother Olen, was my Great Grandfather and also neighbors for the better part of their later years. I spent a lot of my youth at that home with my grandparents. In the summers Elaine would be there to play frequently which was always a thrill because I had a playmate for the day but better yet, I would get to explore the trinkets and never ending oddities of their home for the day. Or other times we’d dance and sing about while Aunt Pearl played her Electric organ. They had the most amazing home filled with collectibles, antiques and oddities alike. As a young child, imagine my all enthralled wonderment with every little item. Overall….looking back, those summer days bring me a sense of warmth that a childhood filled with adventure and play, does. Aunt Pearl will be missed but man did she live a long, wonderful life FULL of love and warmth, family and friends, adventure and presentness . Condolences to my extended Wilkinson family … but celebrate we will, to the matriarch of your guys Family tree. Love and light.
Ron and I loved Pearl and Ralph! I was always impressed with Pearl’s energy! They will certainly be missed. Thinking of the family.
I shall miss Pearl’s smile and her bright eyes. I always sat behind Pearl in church. Pearl had asked that I sing at her funeral, but I was out of town that day. I am touched that she made this request, and I regret that I was unable to fulfill it for her.