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Wilkerson used her knowledge to help everyone

Pinkie Carolyn Wilkerson was born during a unique time in history on Feb. 8, 1948, in a small Louisiana town Grambling, La. She was the daughter of the late Calvin and Dora Garner Wilkerson.

Growing up as a child, Pinkie had a great childhood. She was very ambitious and goal-orientated. As a child, she enjoyed school, and even played in the band while in school. Many saw her strong will, and dedication to many tasks and numerous clubs. She also won many honors in district regional and statewide competitions sponsored by the Louisiana Interscholastic and Literary Organization.

 Her friends and classmates thought of her as curious young lady tenacious in her pursuit of ideas and knowledge, evident in high school where she was active in the Student Council and the debate team, She was a member of Lewis Temple C.M.E. Church where participated in many church sponsored activities. 

Wilkerson was destined to be in the business of helping and serving people. She was a very intelligent young lady who came from a family and a community that placed high values on education. Her mission was to cross different classes, race and geographic lines because human needs have no color, boundaries, or any special places. Wilkerson was a woman willing to help any- and everybody. 

Wilkerson graduated from the historically black Grambling State University Laboratory High School, and received a degree from Grambling State University in history. She received her master’s degree in history from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She later received a law degree from Southern University at Baton Rouge, and a master’s in law from Tulane University in New Orleans. She graduated with honors from every school she attended. 

Multi-talented barely seems to cover the depth and the breadth of Pinkie Wilkerson’s accomplishments. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.  She was parliamentarian for Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and a Golden Life Member.

 Wilkerson was admitted to the bar in Louisiana and New York and had been admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme, U.S. Federal Courts, and the U.S. Tax Court. She began her law practice in Grambling in 1979. She reserved as assistant attorney in the 3rd Judicial District of Lincoln and Union parishes. She also served as assistant attorney general for the State of Louisiana, and was an attorney with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith in New York City

Wilkerson was first elected to the Louisiana Legislature in 1991, and was reelected to a third term in 1999. Many of her accomplishments include being inducted into Grambling State University Hall of Fame. Wilkerson’s accomplishments include: Professional Affiliations, Civic Affiliations, Legislative Caucus Memberships, Legislative Committee Appointments, and Proven Accomplishments for Grambling State University, Proven Accomplishments for Lincoln Parish, Proven Accomplishments for Bienville Parish, Proven Accomplishments for Claiborne Parish, and Proven Accomplishments for Union Parish.

 Pinkie Carolyn Wilkerson was a phenomenal woman on a mission. Her historic strides were made in footsteps imprinted with strong family and community values that demanded duty and service. 

Everyone admired this woman who was on a mission who worked very hard for people. Wilkerson is remembered as a woman who did not back down from tough issues and was not afraid to ask questions about anything. The reflections of her life will always be remembered.  

Although her journey ended Aug. 1, 2000, her mission still continues.