Mr. William Edward Wilkins, known as “Sonny” was born on November 11, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio to Herbert and Willene Wilkins.
William attended Elementary, Jr High and Vocational High School in Cleveland, Ohio; Hough Elementary School, Henry E. Davis Junior High School and Thomas Edison Vocational High School. After graduating from high school William enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on November 21, 1973. William came to Akron, Ohio in 1978, and was a member of the community until his passing on February 6, 2025. William worked for Sears as an auto technician for several years then became self-employed after a short illness.
William’s hobbies included playing cards, billiards, fishing, cooking, grilling (making his own special sauce), live concerts, the casino, and most of all working on cars. There was nothing on a car that William could not fix. He also loved the Cleveland Browns.
On May 5, 1991, he met his friend, his lover, and his soulmate Ms. Amelia Cession. William and Amelia were together for 34 years. In this union they had one son, William Lee Wilkins. William also raised his stepson Justin Cession as his own. William was member of The Word Church where he served on the Events Team Ministry and The Outreach Ministry beside his wife until the pandemic hit in 2019.
On Thursday February 6, 2025, William gained his wings and transitioned to his final resting place.
William was preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Willene Wilkins; sister, Sharon Ward; brother, Allen Terry, and son, Herbert T Wilkins.
William leaves to cherish his memories brother, Lemmie Terry of Cleveland Ohio; daughters, Yolanda Williams, Lela Christian, and Daphne Jones all of Akron, Ohio, Arlette Jones of El Monte, California; sons, Billey L. Wilkins of Akron, Ohio, Justin Cession of Stow, Ohio, and William L. Wilkins of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren include but not limited to: Lataisha Jones, Aliyana McIntire, Ananda Collins, Trinity Hooks, Karter Lee, William L Wilkins II, and Charity N Wilkins; cousins, Barbara Osbourne, Deborah Brinson-Cartwright, Jacqueline Wilkins, Marion Wilkins-Hall, Mavis Wilkins, Arletta T., Clarence Slater, Melvin Brinson; longtime friends, David, Dino, Jack and a host of family and friends.
Thanks to the Akron City Summa Hospital Hospice team for doing a wonderful job ensuring that William’s transition was as peaceful as possible.
Condolences can be sent to 103 East Lods Street Akron, Ohio 44304
Friends may call on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 10:30 am until 11:00 am at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow. Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.