Lepetif N. Nu Rah

Lepetif N. Nu Rah (75) (formally known as Mildred Elizabeth Wilkerson) AKA “Sister,” will be remembered fondly as a Daughter, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. Lepetif passed this life on April 20, 2024 with family by her side. She was born on September 12,1948 in Memphis, TN to Elester Wilis Wilkerson, Sr. and Mildred Wilkerson (Lewis). She was the second eldest of 5 children. 

Lepetif joyfully gave her life to the Lord in 1961. From her siblingsrecollection, she was so excited to know she was saved, she ran around yelling repeatedly, “I’m Saved!” Lepetif was very dedicated to her faith. She was an avid studier of the Bible. Lepetif later became an Ordained Minister and adopted the title of Evangelist in 1970. Lepetif would eventually start a church in her home where she led many family, friends, and acquaintances to the knowledge of Christ. She was a faithful attendee of Freewill Baptist church where she was also an Associate Minister. Lepetif is credited with leading her younger sibling, Elder Jerry Wilkerson to the knowledge of Christ. In 1992 she became a faithful attendee of new Breeds Ministries in Danville, IL where her aforementioned brother was the Pastor. 

Lepetif loved the Lord and incorporated her worship of him throughout her life. Lepetif was a gifted pianist who played by ear. She also was a talented song writer and composer. Lepetif began writing Gospel songs around 1973. Between 1967 and 1977 Lepetifwas blessed with 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls. As her children and family grew she taught songs to them eventually forming a singing group. She is fondly remembered by her children for singing songs such as, “I’ve Given My Heart to Jesus,” “Jesus Knocks at the Door of my Heart,” and, “Come Unto Me.” She is especially remembered for her songs, “Oh Wonderful Jesus,” “Testify” and the duet with her daughter, Latanya Ervin (Baba), “He’ll Carry You Across the Water.” These are just a few of her meaningful and touching songs. During Lepetif’s life she is credited with writing over 3000 Gospel Songs.

Lepetif was proceeded in  death by her parents Rev. Elester W. Wilkerson Sr. and Mildred Lewis Miller, her sister, Cornelia E. Wilkerson, and two children William Karl Ervin(Will) and Yatokya Rafela Posey (Mildred Moore aka. Mimi (Freddy). 

Lepetif will be sorely missed and mourned by her children, LlearKutenie Raheem (Elizabeth Ervin) 1967 of Urbana, IL, Alvin E. Ervin (Valaida L.) 1968 of Oaklahoma City, OK, LaTanya D. Ervin (Niemah Ra) 1973 of Urbana, IL, Keylnn W. Moore Sr. (Dana E.) 1975 of Elkhart, IN, and Elijah LuGenn Moore (Marvel) 1977 of Clinton, MD; her siblings, Rev. Elester W. Wilkerson, Jr. of Danville, IL, Belinda Gayle Keys (Junior Lee) of Danville, IL and Elder Jerry D. Wilkerson, Sr. (Beverly J.)  of Grand Rapids, MI.

Lepetif will be missed and honored by a host of family and friends who all had the privilege to know and love her.

A visitation will be held at Leek & Sons Funeral Friday May 3, 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lepetif N. Nu Rah, please visit our floral store.