Karen Venessa Wilkerson

On this day that the Lord has made, we rejoice as we celebrate the life of

Karen Venessa Wilkerson .

Karen V. Wilkerson was born on April 8, 1957, in Wilmington, DE, to parents Noah Brown and Marion Wilkerson. She was raised in Wilmington’s Riverside neighborhood along with her siblings. She received her early education in the city’s public schools before graduating from P.S. DuPont High School. Following graduation, she pursued her love of hair and makeup, attending Wilford Beauty School for cosmetology. Her skills and talent would lead her to become a sought-after beautician within the community. Karen would next venture into the medical field, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked for various nursing homes and facilities in Delaware, before eventually retiring from the Layton Home.

Karen was a loving person that many would consider the life of the party. She enjoyed music, going out, dancing, and eating crabs.  Karen always had a way of making anyone who was around her laugh. She also had a quick wit, with catch phrases such as “you’re a trip without the luggage”, which reflected her straightforward/tell you like it is personality. Karen had many other hobbies including traveling, cooking, doing hair and makeup, playing cards, trips to the casino, and loved all things Betty Boop. However, most of all, she enjoyed time with her family, collecting family portraits, and game nights. Some of her favorite games were Yahtzee, Bingo, and Pokeno.

Karen was preceded in ascension by her son Leves O’Neal Brown; parents Noah and Marion Brown; brother Noah “Chilly” Wilkerson; sister Noretta Brown-Coleman; brother-in-law Steve Coleman; sister-in-law Leslie Jones; and best friends Brenda “Slick” Selby, Cheryl Daniels, and Phyllis Vice.

Karen leaves to cherish her memories her loving partner of 50 years, Leves “Little” Carn; sisters Joyce Brown, Sheryl Brown-Stewart (Gary), and Zanthea Benson; brother Michael Brown (Melissa); children Tyrone Brown, Arneta Brown, and Arnita Brown; grandchildren Tierra Monae Brown, Eddie Stafford, Tymir Brown, Brianna Brown, Nigel Brown, and Tristan Brown; great-grandchild Nala Brown-Church; best friends Michelle Speight, Carolyn McKnight, Anne Coker, and Lisa Monroe; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that she will eternally love more than they will ever know.

“That’s her story, and you know the rest.”

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday February 02, 2022 at 11 am. Viewing 9-11 from Mother UAME Church, 701 E. 5th St. Wilmington, DE 19801. Interment Gracelawn Memorial Park. Masks are mandatory.