Psalm 23, known as "The Lord is my shepherd," describes God as a caring shepherd who provides, guides, protects, and restores His people, leading them to rest in green pastures, beside still waters, through dark valleys, and to an eternal dwelling in His presence, even preparing a banquet for them in the presence of their enemies. It speaks of divine provision, comfort, and unending goodness and mercy, emphasizing trust in God's constant care through all of life's seasons, both good and challenging.

Deacon James Wakefield was born on October 22, 1936, to Johnny and Marie Wakefield in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County). He is the second of five children. He attended high school at Sumner High School and graduated in May 1955. He then attended Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, on a football scholarship. Deacon Wakefield also earned an Associate's Degree in General Studies from Central Texas College. While attending Langston University, Deacon Wakefield was encouraged by classmates to attend the Reserve Officer Training Course (R.O.T.C.).

He then entered the military by way of the Army Reserves on September 18, 1956. While in the reserves, his unit was called to active duty on May 13, 1968, to participate in the war of Vietnam; whereby he successfully defended his country on two year-long tours (1968 -1969, 1970 -1971).

Upon completion of his first tour of wartime duty, he was chosen to represent his unit in receiving the Proclamation for a job well done by then-President of the United States, Richard Nixon. Some of his military awards consist of the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), 1 of which was awarded by then-Governor Dodkin of Wyandotte, (County) Kansas. As a result of his 35 years and 9 months of service to the United States, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8); a rank that was pinned by then-General Norman Schwarzkopf.

In his childhood development, Deacon Wakefield attended Metropolitan Baptist Church in Wyandotte, Kansas, where he began to gain knowledge of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Deacon Wakefield was ordained as a Deacon in October 2003 by Rev. Paul Johnson, pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church. He was voted into the position of Chairperson of the Deacon Board in or around 2005. Deacon Wakefield states that he received his encouragement as a Deacon from Deacon Stocard.

Deacon Wakefield was preceded in death by his mother and father, Johnny and Marie Wakefield; grandparents, two sisters, Jeanetta Wakefield and Helen Manning Coleman; two brothers, George Wakefield and Benjamin Wakefield; two sons, Keith Wakefield and Alvin Wakefield and several uncles and aunts.

Deacon James Wakefield will be sadly missed by his devoted wife, Annie D. Wakefield (whom he truly loved); two devoted stepsons, Mayo Q. Westbrooks, Jr. of San Pedro, California, and Brandon A. Westbrooks (Nadia) of Spotsylvania, Virginia; granddaughter, Little Emerson Westbrooks; two sons, Eric Wakefield (Melissa) of Baltimore, Maryland; Bernard Wakefield of California; daughter, Terri Wakefield of Alaska; four grandchildren: Jordan Wakefield of Baltimore, JD Wakefield of Atlanta, Doris Wakefield of Alaska, and Alex Wakefield of North Carolina; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews in Kanas City, Kansas, St. Louis, Missouri, California, and Georgia.

Special friends, Bishop Gregory Williams, the Morning Star Baptist Church family, and the Spring Thaw Lane Community, along with a host of family and friends, too many to mentioned.

Special thanks to the Staff of Homebase Primary Care and Hospice of Virginia for the care shown to our loved one.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1660 Dupuy Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Gregory L. Williams, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.