Hi, my name is Sandra Lawson, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart after the unexpected loss of my mother, Lucky Mae Wilkerson, lovingly known as Mama Lucky or Aunt Lucky to so many.
She passed away suddenly on July 19, 2025, in Hollywood, Florida. Just yesterday, we spoke on the phone. She told me she loved me and the kids and said she was heading to dialysis. She sounded like herself—upbeat, joking, and full of life. This morning, she had breakfast, watched TV, and peacefully passed during the day. We never expected that to be our last conversation.
Mama Lucky was truly everyone’s mom. She helped raise not only her own children, but a village. She worked at my elementary school and was like a second mother to all the kids. She welcomed everyone into her home, cooked for the neighborhood, and made everyone feel like family.
Even with years of health struggles, including kidney failure, a stroke, diabetes, and heart surgery, she never lost her humor, warmth, or love. She didn’t focus on her pain—she focused on people. She would remember every nurse’s name and life story and make sure they knew all about her grandbabies.
She loved soap operas, puzzles, playing cards, game shows, and anything orange or yellow. She was a fan of music, laughter, and above all, family.
Lucky spent the last eight years of her life in a rehabilitation center. Her passing came so suddenly that we had not yet made any final arrangements. Her body is still at the facility, but they cannot hold her long. We were in the early stages of planning something, but we did not expect this to happen so fast.
We had always hoped to bury her so her grandchildren could visit, but due to the financial burden, cremation is the most realistic option. Regardless, I want to give her a service that reflects how much she was loved. She deserves to be honored.
We are hoping to raise $15,000 to cover funeral and cremation expenses, a memorial service, emergency travel from Georgia to Florida, and any unexpected costs that come with losing someone you love without preparation.
She is survived by:
Her daughters: Sandra Lawson, Candace Ward, and Lynn Shipman
Her grandchildren: Selena Eustache, Kameron Kernisant, Amara, Alana, and Amber Ward
Her sons-in-law: Nasser Kernisant and Edward Ward
Her nieces: Cossett Constantin and Yaminah Millares
Her honorary daughter: Lyonna Parker
Her god-granddaughter: Shauntravia West
And so many others who called her family
If you can help in any way—by donating, sharing this, or praying for us—we would be so grateful. This has shaken us to the core, and we are doing our best to hold it together as we figure out how to honor the woman who gave us everything.
Thank you for reading and for loving our Mama Lucky.
