On October 16, 2020, Jay Steven Wilkerson, 68, of Indianola, IA, changed zip codes from 50125 to H-E-A-V-E-N. This change was quite unexpected, coming after Jay suffered a brief but lethal bout with coronary issues.

Jay was born on October 19, 1951, to parents Elon and Gerie (Willits) Wilkerson. The oldest of three children, Jay was followed by a brother and sister.

After graduating from Indianola High school in 1969, Jay attended college at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, Assemblies of God Bible College in Waxahachie, TX and Drake University in Des Moines, where he earned a Master's degree in Fine Arts.

With college behind him, Jay started his own business as a professional painter. If he had any faults in this line of work, it would be that he was a perfectionist. He took great pride in his workmanship. Once word-of-mouth spread that Jay's work was impeccable, he had no trouble keeping busy and making customers happy. If someone hired Jay to do their painting, they could rest assured it would be done with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Jay left this world too soon, but only because God had other plans for him. We don't know what those plans are, but we can take comfort in knowing they were divinely inspired. Not known to everyone, Jay's deeds here on Earth were remarkable. Besides giving counsel and comfort to friends and family, and passing on the Word of God, Jay spent countless hours in remote places, such as Bangladesh, Belgium, Haiti and South Africa doing missionary work. Jay had complete devotion to the Lord.

Jay is survived by his brother, Jeff (Marla) Wilkerson of Texas; his sister, Jodi (Mark) Young of Indianola; his nephew, Jason (Dee) Wilkerson of Texas; several cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and his niece Joey A. Wilkerson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 7 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2020, at the Indianola First Assembly of God Church.  Visitation will be held prior to services from 4 to 7 p.m. with family present.

Memorials may be given in his name to the First Assembly of God Church for Missions or to Kiya Koda Humane Society.