Obituary

Early morning on July 27th, Maria Teresa Wilkerson (Joachim) left this life while surrounded by her closest family members in Phoenix, AZ.

Maria was the laughter in everyone’s heart, the definition of support and the mother, sister and friend, which knew no bounds. She loved deeply, gave endlessly and lived genuinely. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1954, to Yolanda Davila Joachim and Angel Joachim Cruz, Maria was the second eldest with a witty disposition. The family moved to El Paso, Texas when Maria was still young. As an adult, she became a successful contributor to the family business, Joachim’s Produce before marrying and moving to Phoenix, AZ in 1994 where she lived happily dedicated to family and community.

Maria is survived by spouse, Douglas Wilkerson; daughter and best friend, Charlotte Joachim-Mora; adoring son, Colby Wilkerson; son-in-law, James Mora and grandson, Gabriel Mora. Surviving siblings; Silvia, Joe, Tulio, Javier Joachim. Sister-in-law, Tara Patti Joachim and Julie Kennedy. Brother-n-law Berto Kennedy. Nieces, Yolanda Bliss, and Claudia, Cassandra, Clare Joachim and Sally Kennedy.  Nephews, David Bliss, Corey Kennedy and many loving extended family members.

Maria’s kindness and humor were a blessing that touched so many. Please join us in remembering Maria’s life from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, this Friday, August 4, 2017 at Hillsong Church, 655 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203. Please use the south parking lot.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Special Message: Maria spent much of her time learning and supporting research to Crohns and ulcerative colitis – two types of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that can be painfully debilitating and have no cure. Affecting as many as 907,000 Americans, both men and women equally, the causes are not well understood. Learn more and get involved at ccfa.org.