Elease Wilks Stinson

Mrs. Elease Wilks Stinson, affectionately known as “E” to some and “Muh” to others who knew and loved her, was born on April 26, 1933, to the late Mr. George Henry Wilks, Sr and Mrs. Mary Thompson Wilks.  

Elease peacefully answered her Father’s call on Monday, August 7, 2023, while in the Lowcountry Community Hospice House for a short period of time.  She was one of 11 children but was preceded in death by all of her siblings and one grandson, Marcus Cheatom.   

Elease accepted Christ on August 17, 1949, and became a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Chester, SC, where she served faithfully as an usher and missionary.  She later went back to her roots at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  She had a love for God’s word.  Thus, driving her to become a Youth Sunday School Teacher and Usher for many years. Her works earned her the title of the Mother of the Usher Board.  After serving there faithfully for 28 years, she decided to join her nephew at Browns Chapel AME Zion Church.  However, as she aged, and her husband of 56 years, Clark Stinson, passed, she went to live with her son, Gerald, in Goose Creek, SC, where she joined New Home Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Milton E. Scott.  Because of her character and love of the Lord, it wasn’t long before she was named a Mother of the Church.  

Elease was a proud 1952 graduate of Finley High School, Chester, SC.  She talked fondly of her school days because she had great teachers.  She said, “I don’t know how I did it, but I made better grades in French than English.”  Although she wasn’t an athlete for the school, Elease was an awesome softball player.  Her position was as pitcher, and she just didn’t know how players couldn’t hit that big ball.  She often said I would strike them out!  However, her softball career ended after a work-related injury, but her love of the game continued.   The Dodgers was her favorite team although she had a love for all the great players such as Don Newcomb and Jackie Robinson.

Elease was employed by Dixie Tomato, Belk, and Mega Star before retiring.  She was also a member of AP&B Society Lodge #8.  

Mrs. Stinson loved to cook.   Her specialties were macaroni and cheese, sweet potato custard, and stickies.  

She leaves to cherish fond memories of her, a daughter, Ms. Vera Stinson of Rock Hill, SC; son, Mr. Gerald B. Stinson (Terry) of Goose Creek, SC; 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson; two sisters-in-law Ms. Margaret Wilks of Charlotte, NC; and Ms. Cora Wilks of Rock Hill, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.  Elease will be greatly missed.

Family will receive friends at the home of her daughter Vera Stinson 1037 Eastwood Dr. Rock Hill, South Carolina 29732

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