Michael Wilkins

Michael Wilkins, affectionately known by many as Handler, was born December 15, 1961 to parents James and Shirley Wilkins of South Haven, Michigan. 

Michael was educated in the South Haven Public School System and later joined the Army National Guard.  His hands-on training provided him valuable experience and an opportunity to be employed for many years as a Maintenance Specialist and Contractor for A-1 Adult Foster Care in Covert, Michigan.  Michael loved playing cards, watching murder-mysteries and sports.  He was a passionate sports fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions.  Although Michael displayed a quiet spirit, his enthusiasm was at its peak every time he watched his favorite teams.  On many weekends, you would find him around the television with family members singing the Wolverines fight song, “Hail to the Victors.”  Michael took pleasure in cooking and was an excellent cook.  He could go into the pantry and find items you would never use and in minutes, concoct a delicious dish - one fit for a king.   

Michael was united in marriage to Yvette Hackney in 1996.  During their relationship, he became father to Queena, Stacy Ashley, William Anthony and Brian.  Michael was a caring father and loved all of his children.  Later in life, Michael married Cynthia McBride of Chicago, Illinois. 

Michael was a member of Resurrection Life Ministries Church under the pastoral leadership of his brother, Administrator Joe Wilkins, Sr.  Michael’s quiet demeanor was exemplified in his love for his family as well as his faithfulness and dedication to his church.  Every Sunday, you could find him on his post as the church videographer and custodian.  Michael carried out his roles and responsibilities devotedly to the Glory of God.   

It was on December 11, 2013, that God decided to call him home.  Michael will be forever remembered for his compassionate and loving personality. 

God's finger touched him and he slept.

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Michael was preceded in death by his father, James O. Wilkins, Sr.; son, William Anthony Hackney; sister, April Smith; granddaughter, Aaliah Hackney; nephew, Jaylin Kyree Hatter; both maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Michael leaves to cherish his loving memory: wife, Cynthia McBride-Wilkins; mother, Shirley Wilkins; daughters, Queena Hackney and Stacy Ashley Hackney both of Grand Rapids, MI;  son, Brian Hackney of Mesa, AZ; ten grandchildren; Antairia, Antonio, Serenity, Jaylin, Arianna, Akayla, Ahnysti, Destiny, Devin, and Skyanna Hackney all of Grand Rapids, MI; five brothers, James O. (Patti) Wilkins, Jr., of Canton, MI, Wade Wilkins, Esther Wilkins and Joe (Letitia) Wilkins all of South Haven, MI, and David Wilkins of Madison Heights, MI; three sisters, Darlene (Michael) Batton and September (Ahmmad) Goodwin both of South Haven, MI and Pamela Wilkins of Kalamazoo, MI; aunt, Lorraine Hollin, Douglasville, GA; uncle, Johnny Williams of Benton Harbor, MI; a childhood friend, LaVan Carr of Kalamazoo, MI; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends; and the Church Family of Resurrection Life Ministries.

Michael touched the hearts and souls of many and will be lovingly remembered and profoundly missed.