our Beginnings

James M. Wilkerson was a well-known carpenter who, from time to time, was called on to make wooden coffins. In 1874, he founded a funeral business known as the J. M. Wilkerson Undertaking Company. The place of business was a frame building in the one hundred block of Harrison Street in Petersburg, Virginia, and provided quality funeral service for families in Petersburg and in the surrounding communities.

James M. Wilkerson, II, the elder son of James M. Wilkerson, inherited the business when his father died in 1890. He operated the company with the assistance of his brother, Samuel, and was the first licensed embalmer of African descent in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His license was number 4. About the turn of the 19th century, James M. Wilkerson II purchased the land where the present building now stands. He built what was, at the time, a well-equipped, two-story brick building. James M. Wilkerson II died in 1932.

Virgie B. Sparks, with her husband Charles F. Sparks at her side, assumed leadership of the business, assisted by her cousins Ella Wilkerson Morgan, Blanch Wilkerson Jones and James M. Wilkerson, III. In 1967, Miss Virgie had the business incorporated as J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. under the control and responsibility of a Board of Directors. She continued in her leadership role until her death in 1971.

The following individuals were involved in the early development of the J M Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. These Pioneers paved the way. 

After the death of Virgie B. Sparks, the Early Developers oversaw the renovation and expansion of the funeral home, including the addition of a garage, new chapel, and carport. In October of 1986, when a serious fire destroyed much of the building's interior and contents, business was conducted from a trailer located in the parking lot behind the building. During that time, the establishment used the funeral facilities of the J. A. Jackson Funeral Establishment.

James M. Wilkerson, Sr. died in 1890, and his elder son, James M. Wilkerson II, inherited the business. James M. Wilkerson II operated the company with the assistance of his brother, Samuel. Mr. Wilkerson II was the first licensed embalmer of African descent in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His license was number 4. About the turn of the 19th century, Mr. Wilkerson II purchased the land where the present building now stands. He built what was at the time a well-equipped, two-story brick building.

In addition to the undertaking business, Mr. Wilkerson operated a livery business, usually employing at least 16 persons. The livery stable was on College Place in the horse-and-buggy days. One might rent a team of horses with a hack or carriage to be used for a wedding, to ride sightseeing or to attend a dance affair some night. These were the days of the "surrey with the fringe on top."

For a number of years, the Establishment operated an ambulance service for Petersburg and the surrounding counties. The Establishment also owned and operated several annual-care cemeteries.

James M. Wilkerson II died in 1932, and the business passed to the third Wilkerson generation under the leadership of Mrs. Virgie Sparks. She managed the business for 39 years. The business was incorporated in 1967, and Miss Virgie, as she was known, continued to manage the business until she died in 1971. 

Mrs. Virgie B. Sparks