When God was making husbands, as far as I can see, He made a special soulmate especially for me. He made a perfect gentleman, compassionate and kind, With more love and affection than you could ever wish to find. He gave me a darling husband a heart of solid gold, only my heart can hold. He was someone I could talk to that no one can replace He was someone I could laugh with till tears ran down my face. Next time we meet will be at Heaven’s door. When I see you standing there, I won’t cry anymore I will put my arms around you and kiss your smiling face. Then the pieces of my broken heart will fall back into place
Donnie, I Will Forever Miss You
LTributes oving
herished CMemories
Life’s Brief Reflections
EricDonald (Donnie) Wilburn was the third son of the late Jesse, Sr. and Elatris Wilburn. He passed away on November 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, James, and Jesse Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Jewel Elice, whom he met at a friend’s wedding. Their union expanded over 35 years and was filled with many loving memories. The love they shared is a testament to the couple’s commitment, resilience, and joy. Although they did not have children, he is remembered fondly by many family members, including his nephews, Kelvin Wilburn (Los Angeles), Barry Wilburn (Memphis), and Arlen Wilburn (Vernita) of Memphis. His sisters-in-law Margaret (Jesse, deceased), who was like a big sister, and Donna Thomas (Reuben), as well as a brother-in-law, Jackie Grafton (Phyllis, deceased) of Memphis, TN, also survive him. His nieces and nephews include Dawn Grafton (Jody), Jerald Grafton, Joy Foster (Reggie), Candyce Hogue, and Jennifer Brown (Jamal) of Memphis. First cousins Dwayne Nesbitt, Adrienne (Neise) Nesbitt, Karen Nesbitt, and Carmen Boone of Memphis, along with many other cousins, also cherish his memory.
In his youth, Donnie professed his faith in Christ at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and sang passionately in the male chorus. While attending Melrose High School, he was part of the first team to integrate high school sports in Tennessee through a non-contact sport—track and field. After graduating from Melrose in 1966, he attended Tennessee A&I State University (TSU) on a track and field athletic scholarship.
While at TSU, Donnie joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1968 as a sophomore; his line was called “The 40 Thieves.” He remained active in the Memphis Alumni Chapter after graduation, chairing several events over the years. He often remarked that he was a two-year letterman on a competitive team that ran in the shadows of the world-famous Tigerbelles (a world-famous Women’s Track club at TSU). He graduated from TSU in the spring of 1971.
He began his career with Henley & James, makers of Contac cold capsules, as the first African American sales representative responsible for a southern territory. He later worked with CIT Corporation, financing commercial and industrial equipment. In 1987, he joined International Paper when its headquarters moved to Memphis, where he approved accounts and monitored receivables. He concluded his career at FedEx in 2003, managing large receivables. After retiring, he worked as a counselor with the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau.
If you knew Donnie, you knew how proud he was to be a Melrose graduate and to be from Orange Mound (the Beltline), Tennessee. He was an active member of the Melrose Booster Club and was currently serving as its president.
An avid sports fan, Donnie followed football, basketball, and track & field, and even played golf until a back injury sidelined him. He regularly attended Grizzlies games and had been a season ticket holder since the team arrived in Memphis. He also enjoyed TSU Homecomings, University of Memphis games, and many other sporting events.
Donnie cherished his wife, his church, Mt. Moriah Baptist, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and Melrose High School. He enjoyed meeting and conversing with people. You could go any place, any event and Donnie would know someone.
The Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 29, 2025 12:00 Noon
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
2634 Carnes Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114
Dr. Harvey B. Jackson, Pastor
Prelude
Processional.............................................................The Family of Eric “Donnie” Wilburn
Scripture Readings: Old Testament: Psalm 23............................................Dr. James “Jimmie” Cowan New Testament: John 14:1-6.............................................................Reggie Foster
Prayer of Comfort............................................................................................Vicki Palmer
Eulogy...............................................................................................Dr. Harvey B. Jackson
Recessional
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
~Acknowledgements ~
On behalf of the Wilburn family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the family and friends who have supported us during this difficult time. We are deeply thankful for your presence at this service honoring our beloved Eric Donald Wilburn.
We also offer our sincere thanks to Frankie Washington, who has recently become both a caregiver and a cherished friend.
We are grateful to everyone here today for joining us in this Homegoing Celebration and kindly ask for your continued prayers, support, and love. May God bless you all.
The Family of Eric Donald Wilburn ~Active Pallbearers ~
Lawrence Matlock LeRoy Johnson
Andrew Rosser Robert Williams
Arlen Wilburn Kevin Wilburn
Reuben Thomas Jerald Grafton, Sr.
Jamal Brown Jackie Grafton
Reggie Foster Willie Dawson
Jody Rogers Langston Rogers
Jacob Foster Jerald Grafton, Jr.
Memorial Park Southwoods 5485 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Following Interment
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church 2634 Carnes Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38114
