Levora Juanita Wilkes

Levora Juanita Wilkes, daughter of Russell Wilkes and Clara Carter Wilkes was born Jul 25, 1932, in Earlington, KY. Levora departed this life on March 25, 2022, at Hillside Center, Madisonville, KY. She was the youngest of eight children and all of her siblings preceded her in death: Virginia Wilkes Primm, James Wilkes, Curtis Wilkes, Andrew Wilkes, Nehemiah Wilkes, Louise Wilkes Bruce, and Russell Lee Wilkes.

Levora was the mother of eleven children and two preceded her in death: William Civils and Anthony Civils.

At an early age, Levora joined Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her death. Levora offered herself freely to God through her singing. She could be heard lifting her voice to praise God on Sunday mornings. During her young adult years, she sang with the Friendly Four, Jrs. This was an all-female group consisting of Virginia Johnson, the late Louise Wilkes, the late Opal Wilkes, and the late Anna Wilson.

Levora was not afraid of hard work. During her working years, she was employed at Watkins Rest Home, the Madisonville Country Club, and Hamilton II Coal Mine.

Levora leaves to cherish her memory, her children: James Civils of Madisonville, Diane Civils of Indianapolis, IN, Jennifer Civils of Madisonville, Jeannie Civils Boyd (Robert) of Madisonville, Dorothy Drake Tandy of Louisville, KY, Edward Drake, Kenneth Drake, Bradley Drake, and Alex Drake all of Madisonville; stepchildren: William Scisney, Sharon Scisney, Herbert Drake. She also leaves a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.