Mrs. Lillie McKnuckles Wilkes was born on July 30, 1941 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of James and Elizabeth McKnuckles. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. Lillie's educational journey took her through Hughes-Quinn and graduating from Lincoln Senior High School. she followed in her family's footsteps and enlisted in the United States Army to serve her country. She received a honorable discharge for her service.

Upon returning home, Lillie was a homemaker until she found employment at SIU-Edwardsville as a secretary. She also met and married her soulmate for life, James Wilkes. Along with her mother and father, James preceded her in death. In her spare time, Lillie loved listening to music and she loved the color purple. Lillie departed this life on January 9, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Tony McKnuckles, Darryl (Carol) McKnuckles, Ronald McKnuckles, Jeanette Wilkes, Theresa Wilkes and Patricia Wilkes; six grandchildren; one sister, Rita McKnuckles; one brother, Johnny McKnuckles; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.