Messages of condolences have been streaming in since the passing of well-known pastor Anthea Wilkinson earlier this week.

Rushed to hospital

Wilkinson passed away two weeks after she was hit with a brick on the R300 near Jakes Gerwel Drive on 11 October while travelling with another woman. She was rushed to hospital, unconscious, where she passed away.

Her church, Jesus Celebration International (JCI), announced her death in an emotional post on Facebook on 26 October. Dr. J. Swartz wrote: “There are moments in leadership when words become almost impossible to find. This is one of those moments. It is with an extremely heavy heart and deep sorrow that I share the devastating news that one of our greatest and most beloved leaders, Pastor Anthea, passed away on Sunday morning at 07:30. On Saturday night, her family had the painful task of saying their final goodbyes. Yet, even in those final hours, we continued believing God for a miracle. We prayed, we stood in faith, and we refused to surrender our hope,” wrote Swartz.

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Swartz further wrote that Pastor Anthea loved everyone. “She loved this church, she loved the work of God, and she gave herself wholeheartedly to the calling upon her life. Her passing leaves a tremendous emptiness in our hearts and in this ministry. But her labour, her sacrifice, her faith, and her legacy will not be forgotten.”

Comments online ranged from shock, devastation, and sadness. “This is still unreal. She was a very energetic and vibrant person,” wrote Lee Anne Marcus.

Mario Daniels wrote: “Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones, at this sorrowful time of bereavement.”

Keep family in prayers

Nokuzola Letselebe wrote it is heartbreaking. “My heart goes out to the family. May God give you strength. May He comfort you. May her soul rest in peace. Her congregation stay strong, keep the faith. May this cruelty not remove you from who God is. I don’t know her. But she spoke about the very same God that you must cling to. Keep the family in your prayers always.”

Police are investigating cases of murder, malicious damage to property, and common assault.

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