Belvie Lee Wilkerson, age 84, of Platte County, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026. Born on November 13, 1941, Belvie lived a life marked by family devotion, hard work, generosity, and unwavering faith. Belvie was married to her beloved husband, James Wilkerson, for 65 years until his passing on September 5, 2025.
She leaves behind her two children, Perry Wilkerson (Malo) and Darla Wilkerson (Jenniffer Aleshire). She is also survived by her sister Linda Rose (Gene), four grandchildren—Crissy, Brandon, Brock, and Aubree – and three great‑grandchildren. Belvie was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, her sister Sue Richardson, and her grandson Bryce.
Belvie and James spent years building and selling homes, working side by side with determination and grit—Belvie once even catching herself from falling off a roof by hooking the claws of her hammer into the plywood roof just before going over the edge. Belvie also earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and served in that role for a brief time, reflecting her lifelong commitment to caring for others with patience, compassion, and steady hands.
She was an active and engaging community volunteer at her children’s elementary schools and with the Platte County Election Board, known for working 16‑hour days side by side with her mom supervising the polls during elections. She graduated from Park Hill High School, where she played first‑chair clarinet and marched proudly with the high school band. The close circle of friends she made in high school remained dear to her throughout her life, and the group continued meeting altogether for meals decades later.
Her home was the heart of countless family celebrations—Fourth of July cookouts, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and beloved Easter traditions. Each Easter, Belvie delighted in hiding plastic eggs throughout the yard for the children to find. Every egg held a gift of money, a gesture of her generosity and joy in watching the children’s excitement as they searched and discovered each treasure.
Family gatherings were complete with extra card tables and folding chairs, and Belvie prepared a delicious spread of food for these occasions, often cooking from scratch using recipes she learned from her own mother. Her meals were an expression of love, tradition, and the care she poured into every detail of family life.
A devoted caregiver, Belvie woke early each morning to fix her hair, put on her makeup, cook, clean, and make sure everyone around her was cared for. She tended to a garden every year and spent long, hot summer hours in the barn canning vegetables from each harvest. She was fearless in her fight against breast cancer and lived with the same determination that defined every part of her life.
Belvie loved her jewelry, especially her collection of brooches. She took joy in choosing just the right one to coordinate with her outfit whenever she went out. She made sure her grandchildren always had their favorite cereals, drinks, and snacks waiting for them, turning her kitchen into a warm, welcoming “general store” of love.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved Jesus, read her Bible faithfully, and spoke confidently to her loved ones about God’s love. She passed this love for Christ onto each one of her family members. Her generosity of spirit, her strength, and her devotion to caring for others will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
We rest assured that she is with Jesus now, her faith fulfilled, and her soul at peace. May her legacy of love, service, and steadfast devotion continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come.
A Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Meyers Northland Chapel 401 Main St. Parkville, MO. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Cassie O’Brien officiating. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memories of Belvie and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Loretta Temple is funeral director and personal concierge serving the family.
