Robert "Speedy" Clarence Wilkins

“But seek ye first, the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 

Matthew 6:33

Our beloved, Robert C. Wilkins, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 17, 2025, at Sentara Obici Hospital, surrounded by his family and friends.

Robert C. Wilkins, known to many as “Speedy,” was a man of strong faith, and instilled the importance of family through wisdom, hard work, compassion, and principle; traits he inherited from his parents. He was the fifth of six children, born to the late Mamie and Maryland Wilkins, Sr. in Suffolk, VA, on December 19, 1952.

Robert was educated in the Suffolk Public School system and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1971. There he played basketball and earned the nickname “Speedy”. Although he loved the game, he was also passionate about music. Like his father and his uncles, he loved to sing and was blessed with a melodious voice. In his young adult years, he was a member of The Young Sensations and soon became their lead vocalist. He began writing music, and it was very clear that he was a gifted storyteller.

He later became a born-again Christian and began devoting his life and his music to his faith. Robert was a faithful member of Rising St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he served in many capacities. He was a Trustee, a member and President of the Male Chorus, he served on the Men’s Usher Ministry, he was a Sunday School Teacher, and he was also the church’s handyman. His main priorities were “being about God’s business”, community outreach and providing for his family. These priorities propelled him to serve where there was a need, and use his skills and talents inherited from his father.

Like father, like son, he was the epitome of “A Jack of All Trades”. His skills included but were not limited to barber, carpenter, repairman, painter, lawn care technician, and mechanic.

Robert was also a community advocate and activist participating in numerous community events, such as Council Member LeOtis Williams’ Annual Turkey Giveaway as he enjoyed giving back to his community. He was the organizer of the Jericho Community Day, a member of the Jericho/Hollywood Civic League, and a member of Suffolk Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission.

In 2001, he founded Hidden Strength, a nonprofit enterprise intended to develop the hidden character in children. The program’s mission was to provide an alternative to incarceration by offering various supportive services to children and parents in need. In 2010, he was presented with the Community Service Award by the East Suffolk Federated Civic League. In 2024, he received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Suffolk for his community service and activism. Also in 2024, he was honored at his home church, Rising St. James PHC, for his many years of dedicated service.

Robert was a man who loved his family. He was devoted to prioritizing his family’s needs and also the needs of others. He was always available to lend a helping hand and showed unconditional love by using his life experiences to offer guidance and build a sense of safety and security for his family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Celestine Wilkins; sister, Rosa M. Carr (Milton); four sons, Robert A. Wilkins (Cheryl), Karl A. Wilkins (Jessica), Vidal L. Wilkins (Stephanie), Daylan Wilkins; one daughter, Princess G. Wilkins; three stepsons James R. Wilson, Willie J. Wilson, Jr., Santonyo Wilson, three sisters-n-law, Dorothy Wilkins Woodley, Catherine Wilkins and Gloria Wilkins; mother of his children, Barbara J. Wilkins; cousin/brother, Jeffery L. Myrick (Sandra), all of Suffolk, VA; 19 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; 10 step grandchildren, 26 step great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Mamie C. Wilkins and Maryland Wilkins, Sr., one son, Robert L. Evans; three sisters, Ruth E. Hill, Joyce A. Wilkins, and Audrey Vaughn; two brothers, Maryland Wilkins, Jr., and Willie Wilkins; and one stepson, Reginald D. Wilson.

Although we mourn the absence of our loved one and the warmth he brought into our lives, we humbly yield to the sovereign will of our Heavenly Father, who gives us comfort and strength in our sorrow. We give God all the glory for his life and the many hearts he’s touched along the way.

A public viewing will be held 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Rising St. James PHC. A celebration of life will be held noon, Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Union Baptist Missionary Church, 5414 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk, Virginia 23435. He will be laid to rest in Holly Lawn Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.