Obituary of Mary Louise Wilkins
Mary Louise Braley was born on February 19, 1946, in Northville, Michigan. She was one of eighteen children from the union of Samuel and Charlotte May (Thompson) Braley. As a young girl, Mary would receive her education in a one room schoolhouse. She then would attend Summerfield Schools for her elementary education and Milan Middle School.
Mary would be blessed with the birth of four children. On September 8, 1990 at the Monroe Apostolic Church she married Francis Wilkins. The couple would make their home in Indiana for sixteen years until Francis’ passing when she would move back to Monroe County. She was a homemaker and cared for the needs of her children, although she never let the grass grow under her feet, she was always running the roads.
For many years she worshipped at Monroe Apostolic now Gracepoint United Pentecostal Church. Mary was a devout Christian and she loved to worship her God. Spending time in church, visiting with fellow believers at church functions, participating in potlucks, and sharing the good news of Christ were some of her favorite pastimes. She was always trying to win others for the Lord.
Mary loved being around her family. She was an excellent cook and passed along much of her knowledge to her offspring. Her oatmeal walnut raisin cookie and fruit salad were iconic, yum! In 2010, Mary would make her home at Frenchtown Place Apartments. She loved to visit with neighbors and reminisce about days gone by. She was known for her honesty and willingness to speak the truth.
Mary Louise Wilkins, age 75, of Petersburg, passed away on Tuesday; December 7, 2021, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital due to complication from Bacterial Pneumonia. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband; and eleven siblings.
To cherish her memory, Mary, leaves four children: Tina Braley of Petersburg, Rina (Jay) Bowman III of Erie, Regina (Michael) Frank of Petersburg, James Braley of Monroe; three sisters: Barb Patterson, Margaret "Nellie" (Arthur) Fuller, and Arlene Hall; three brothers: Samuel Braley, George Braley, and Sam Blankenship; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-one great grandchildren.
Friends may gather on Saturday; December 11, 2021, from 11:00am until the Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm at Gracepoint United Pentecostal Church, 2535 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. Pastor Bruce and Pastor Andrew Leaman will co-officiate. Private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Dundee. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Gracepoint United Pentecostal Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.