Tarkeshia "Keshia" A. Wise

I pray we’ll all be ready
I pray we’ll all be ready
I pray we’ll all be ready for His return

It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Tarkeshia A. Wise, who departed this world peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by family and held in love.  She was born on March 7, 1975, in Richmond, Virginia

Tarkeshia, affectionately known as “Keshia” and “Auntie,” was a vibrant soul whose warmth, humor, and compassion touched the lives of all who knew her. A devoted daughter, sister, friend, and colleague, she lived each day with grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.

Keisha was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County Public School system graduating from Lafayette High School in 1993. She went on to further her education at Virginia Union University. Keshia was a longtime employee of the United States Postal Service until her health began to decline.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Keshia accepted Christ at a young age and was a faithful and active member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, where she joyfully served in many ministries over the years. She was a dedicated member of the Sunday School, the Mass Choir, the Pastor’s Aid, the Usher Board, and the Missionary Board. Whether she was singing praises, greeting worshippers, or teaching and learning in faith Keshia gave of herself freely and wholeheartedly. Her spirit of service shined brightest in the way she was always ready to help whenever and wherever needed, never waiting to be asked, always ready to give.

Keshia also had a passion for interior decorating, writing poetry, children, especially children with disabilities, and the elderly, which reflected her natural gift for uplifting and encouraging everyone she encountered.  Her greatest joy came from her family. We will forever cherish her boundless love, her infectious laugh, and the comfort of her steady presence. Her legacy lives on in the kindness she showed and the faith with which she lived.

Though her life was cut short far too soon, Keshia leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, service, faith, and joy. We mourn her passing deeply but celebrate the beautiful life she led and the immeasurable impact she made on her church, family, and community.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Deacon Hugh and Elizabeth Robinson; and her aunt Julia Wise Robinson.

She is survived by her mother Barbara Jean Ruttley; sister Charita (Antoine Sr.); brothers, Rodney (Sherri) and Brian (Katrina); nieces and nephews, Antoine Jr. (Ashley, special friend), Darius (Kristina), Tyler, RaeAnna, and Shelby; great-niece Emberly; great-nephews, Christian and Mi’Ainjul; her aunts and uncles, Ann (Willie), Charlie (Patricia), Ventson Sr. (Rose Mary), Herman (Mary), and Mary (Percy); and a host of cousins and close friends.

A special acknowledgment to those who supported Keshia during her illness, Ventson H. Robinson Sr., her pastor and uncle who was like a father figure to her, Calese Carr, Angie Graves, Laquita Holimon, Beverely Pannell, Mary Robinson, Cindy Strong, and many others.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park.  

Rest in peace, dear Keshia. You will always be remembered, always loved, and never forgotten.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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