Merna S. Wilkerson, 84, of Benton, passed away at 5:12 p.m., on Friday, September 25, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 5, 1936, to Roy and Pearl (Odum) Wade in West Frankfort. She was a member of the Thompsonville Eastern Star and Benton Eagles Auxiliary.

Merna is survived by her son, Lonnie D. Atwood; daughter, Connie Grimes; four step-daughters, Kathy Priddy, Peggy Clem, Carla Owen, and Dana Wilkerson, a brother, Eldon Wade, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Rual and Pearl Wade, former husband, Alva Dean Atwood, second husband, Richard Summers, former husband, Curtis Wilkerson, son, Leroy E Atwood, step-son, Mitchell Wilkerson, brother, Leroy Wade, sister, Shelby Roberts and aunt, Florence King, and special friend, Jack Williams.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Following the service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.