Williemae Aikens

Williemae Hudgins Aikens, daughter of the late Willie Hudgins and Hattie Staten, was born on January 21, 1917 in Greenville, South Carolina. She received her formal education in the South Carolina System and was an avid basketball player in high school where she was given the nickname, “Big Red Apple”. After completion of high school, Williemae met and began dating the love of her life, Reverend James Aikens. They were united in Holy Matrimony on January 10, 1934, and from this union they blessed with eight (8) children who were nurtured with unconditional love, spiritual guidance, wisdom and home cooking. Williemae invented the title, “Homemaker”, for she was totally devoted to her husband , children and grandchildren. Her husband, Rev. James Aikens and one son, Rev. James Roland Aikens, both preceded her in death. Williemae 's Christian journey started at a very young age when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and she continued her spiritual growth throughout her very long and blessed life. She worshipped as a Seventh Day Adventist for fifty-nine (59) years until she joined the fellowship of the Israel Baptist Church on July 10, 2010, under the leadership of Rev. H. Walden Wilson, II Williemae was known as a sweet, loving caring and soft-spoken “little lady”, with eyes that would look right through you. But, she would swallow up everyone who entered her presence with her love, and had an anique quality of making everyone feel “special”. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Williemae's list of friends reads like a “Who's Who's” register. On Tuesday, January24, 2012, God, in His infinite wisdom, gently took Williemae Aikens into his loving arms, where she is now making heaven her eternal home, and joining her loved ones who have gone on before. She will be tremendously missed by her loving family and friends alike That twinkle in her eyes, the wave of her hands and unspoken words will resonate forever. Williemae leaves to cherish fond memories: three sons, William Aikens of Reading, PA., David Aikens of Peoria, IL., and Rev. Gilbert Aikens a (Jackie) of Chattanooga, TN.; four daughters, Ernestine Aikens Fair, Barbara Aikens Queen Randall (Alexander), Williemae Aikens Wood (Emmett), and Sharon Anne Aikens Woods (Willie, Sr), all of Baltimore, MD; one sister, Lily Mae Wilson of Atlanta, GA., daughter-in-law, Lorene Aikens of Reading, PA., twenty-two grandchildren, fifty-four great-grandchildren, twenty great great-grandchildren, and one great great great-grandchildren; three nephews, four nieces, a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Williemae Aikens

January 21, 1917 - January 24, 2012