Lutiea Wilks

Lutiea “Shug” Wilks
January 2, 1938 – December 1, 2025

Lutiea Wilks (née Fuller), lovingly known as Shug, was born in Camden, Alabama, the seventh daughter of Robert and Mazie Fuller. She grew up surrounded by her spirited sisters, “The Fuller Boys,” forming lifelong bonds filled with love and laughter.

After moving to Cincinnati as a teenager, she graduated from Central High School. At age 19, she met the love of her life, Guthrie “Deek” Wilks. Together, they raised four children and created a warm, loving home full of family traditions, homemade meals,  and annual vacations.

Lutiea began her career as a talented seamstress at Standard Textile Company before building a long career in retail. She retired from  Kroger after 23 years of service. Even after retirement, her greatest joy was caring for her grandchildren, becoming their nanny, chauffeur, and guiding hand.

Shug was a quiet spirit with a powerful presence—sweet, strong, faithful, and always smiling. She cherished her family, loved her church, enjoyed bridge, and being a member of the Travelers’ Club.

She leaves to honor her memory one devoted son, Michael Wilks (Virginia); two loving daughters, Melody Davis and Marsha Booker (Anthony); eleven cherished grandchildren—Demetrus, Michael Jr., Me’Asa, Martez, Aubrey, Jessica, Nicholas, Darius, Ashley, Anthony Jr., and Andrew; twelve great-grandchildren; one beloved sister, Azilee Mathis; three sisters-in-law, Alma Wilks, Linda Byrd, and Deborah Wilks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Lutiea is reunited in heaven with her husband, Deek; her daughter, Melinda; her granddaughter Sarika Wilks; her parents, Robert and Mazie Fuller; and her beloved siblings, Francis, Juanita, Easter, Mathree, Rosalee, Lucille, Lucinda, Willa, and Jessie.

Her smile, her kindness, and her gentle strength will forever remain in our hearts.

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