Life’s Sketch

Keith M. Wilkins was born on February 16, 1955 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Pearlie B. Wilkins and Willie H. Wilkins.

Keith attended New York City public schools. He graduated high school in 1973 and received a basketball scholarship to Westchester Community College.

The following year, he was recruited by Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. There, he played basketball while working to attain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He graduated in 1978. Keith also held a Masters of Science Degree in Health Care Administration earned at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. His career path included middle school English teacher in the community in which he grew up, Substance Abuse Counselor, and he was employed at the Division of Youth Services.

Moving to Albany, he met and married Lisa Wakefield on August 3, 1991. Out of this union five children were born. Keith treasured time spent with his family. He worked in the Car Sales Industry until his retirement in 2019.

Keith’s love of etymology made him a skilled user of words. Naturally, he could spend hours competing at Scrabble and Word with Friends. Keith enjoyed the game of Chess; was a sensei with a Master Black Belt in Shotokhan-ryu Karate; and adored his Akita-canine companion.

He leaves to cherish loving memories his wife Lisa Wilkins, daughters: Tamika Coleman, Brittany Moore-Irving, Chloe Wilkins, Samara Wilkins, Nina Wilkins, and Alana Wilkins; sons: Tyrice Wilkins, Xyuir Wilkins, and Leighton Wilkins; son-in- laws: Donald Coleman, David Irving; ten grandchildren: Avery, Kiaira, Donte, Maya, Tara, Elias, Langston, Nia, Massiah and Harlem; his mother Pearlie B. Wilkins, sisters: Yvonne A. Smalls, Beverly A. Wilkins, Sherry Small; brother in laws: Shawn Wakefield, John Wakefield, Audley Barrow; God brother: Jonathan Woodley; nieces: Khalilah Smalls, Venetta Wells, Yvette Barrow.

Keith will be sorely missed by a host of relatives and friends.