Alstongabrielle Xaneta Wilkins, 41, of Newport News, VA, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 13, 2025.
She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones. She known by many as Alston and was affectionately called “Gabby” by family and close friends. She was a devoted daughter, beloved sister, and accomplished professional whose life reflected grace, strength, and service.
Born in Alexandria, VA, Alston spent part of her formative years in Little Rock Arkansas, where she developed the values of faith, family, and perseverance that guided her life. She shared a special bond with her beloved grandmother, an educator who served as her lifelong mentor and friend. During her early years in Little Rock, she attended Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she formed enduring friendships that enriched her journey. Additionally, she spent many years attending First Baptist Church of Deanwood, in Washington, D.C., where her father, Rev. Samuel Wilkins, Jr., served as Minister of Music, and was baptized at an early age. While living in Washington D.C. Alston was a member of the Children of the Gospel Youth Choir and had the honor of performing at the Kennedy Center.
Alston graduated from Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria, VA., part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system. After graduation she attended James Madison University, JMU, in Harrisonburg, VA, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in December 2005. While at JMU, she was actively involved in Students for Minority Outreach, The NAACP, the Black and Latino Greek Caucus, Student Government Association, and the Pre-Law Society. She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lambda Chi Chapter, in Fall 2003, as part of “The Seven Wonders of the Pearl” — #3, Alstongabrielle Wilkins, Opal Essence — and she lived out the sorority’s principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
After college and working professionally, Alston returned to Little Rock, where she joined Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ, where she was active in the singles and youth ministries. A true coffee lover, she worked at Starbucks, where she cultivated exceptional customer service skills. Alston later was employed at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, building over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in Property and Casualty claims as well as Life and Health business analysis.
Pursuing her dreams, Alston entered law school fulfilling her passion for law, following in the footsteps of her Aunt Media. She earned her Juris Doctor degree cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law on May 11, 2019, and passed the bar exam on her first attempt. During law school, she excelled both academically and in leadership, serving as Chairperson of the Moot Court Board, Chief Legal Writing Fellow, Dean Ambassador, and Legal Writing Scholar.
Her legal career included serving as Associate Legal Counsel for Cato Pharmaceuticals and later as a Magistrate for the Supreme Court of Virginia — a reflection of her brilliance, professionalism, and unwavering determination.
Alston was preceded in death by her loving mother, Regina Wilkins; her maternal grandparents, James Henry and Dorothy Bowden Alston; her paternal grandfather, Samuel Ray Wilkins, Sr. and her uncle, Van Royce Wilkins.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and supportive “parents”, Rev. Samuel Ray Wilkins, Jr. and wife, Sharon, of Charlotte, NC; her loving sister, Samara Johnson, of Alexandria, VA; her stepbrothers, Arthur and John Johnson, also of Charlotte, NC; her grandmother, Molice Wilkins of Little Rock, AR; her supportive aunt, Media Wilkins Daniels (Ken), of Little Rock, AR; ex-husband, Kai Nelson, and a special acknowledgment to her devoted aunt and caregiver, Barbara Bell (Charles), of Newport News, VA.
Alston will be deeply missed by a host of cousins, extended family, dear friends, and her cherished Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. sisters.
Alston’s life was a beautiful testament to resilience, compassion, and service. She touched countless lives with her kind spirit, brilliant mind, and quiet strength. Her memory will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her.
