Obituary of Darryl M. Wilkerson Jr.

Darryl Michael Wilkerson Jr. was born March 17, 1985, in Gardena, California to Tracy Lemle and Darryl Michael Wilkerson Sr. Darryl was raised in Carson, living in Los Angeles and finally Lancaster, where he resided with his mother, grandmother and sister. Darryl graduated from Gardena High School and attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Darryl became a culinary line chef working at 5-star restaurants and resorts, and lastly University of Southern California. Later in life, he also worked with his uncles, Troy and Ronald in construction for many years. Darryl was passionate about cooking with love and bringing people together. Darryl was curious and mischievous when growing up. One time, when he was three years old, he bit his grandmother’s earrings because she did not give him a second helping of candy. Because of Darryl’s size, he was big as a young child, he was put in a basketball league at the age of six. Later he attended the Boys and Girls Club where he continued to play travelling basketball on the Hawkeyes team. He loved to play basketball and played until end of his junior year in High school, he was slowly taking the ball down court and was affectionately nicknamed “Turtle” by teammates and friends. Darryl was a devoted person when it came to family and friends, especially when it came to his mother, they were very close. He also loved his daughter Shaniyah. Darryl was best known for giving the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. Darryl had the biggest heart and had a desire to give back to the community. He often fed the hungry and stated he learned it from his mother. Darryl loved listening to music, watching the latest movies/tv shows, comedy YouTube shows and spending time with his people. Darryl was always a ball of joy and carried a positive mindset about life. Darryl always had the biggest smile on his face and loved cracking jokes every day. Darryl was a very sociable person and loved pushing the culture forward. Darryl was known in the community for being a supportive and kind person to everyone. Darryl is survived by his loving mother Tracy, loving grandmother Barbara, loving sisters Tyaysha and Ashley, loving niece and nephew Sky and Cedric III and his loving daughter Shaniyah and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Darryl is preceded in death by his great Grandmothers Mildred A. Brown and Realma Crayton, Grandfather Bobby Mccalipp and Grandmother Lois Wilkerson. Darryl always looked at things on the brighter side and he will be remembered in love and light. Darryl quietly passed away on April 3, 2023, from a raging infection. Darryl, you will be missed and will always be loved. Rest In Peace, Turtle