Ruth Dowdy Wilkerson
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Ruth Dowdy Wilkerson, 82, of Lynchburg, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, Sept. 4, 2006 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. She was the wife of the late Alvis L. Wilkerson.

Born Aug. 20, 1924 in Lynchburg, she was a daughter of the late Terash Dillard Dowdy and the late Elsie Vest Dowdy. In addition, nine brothers and three sisters, preceded her in death.

Ruth loved her Lord, loved her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Through the years she served God and had an impact on many lives. She will be missed! She was a devoted member of West Lynchburg Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Terry W. Mendoza and her husband, Omar of Lynchburg; her son, Rev. Mark A. Wilkerson and his wife, Brenda of Lynchburg; four grandchildren, Amber and Holly Wilkerson, Stephen Mendoza and his wife, Joy and Byron Mendoza; five great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Brandon, Victoria, Carson, Westley; and numerous devoted nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, at West Lynchburg Baptist Church, with Dr. Michael Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Road.

Ruth's life revolved around her church, it would be her wish that Memorial contributions be made to West Lynchburg Baptist Church.

To send condolences to the family, go to www.whittenfuneralhome.com Whitten Timberlake Chapel & Cremation Service, 239-0331, is assisting the family with services.