The first of six children, Wilbert was born to William Kearney and Lee Ella Blanks. This special event occurred on May 11, 1938 in Emerson, Arkansas. At an early age he accepted Christ at New Hope Baptist Church in Emerson. Wilbert was educated at McMittress Independent School District in Emerson.

Shortly after graduating, he married Rosie Lee Fields in Arkansas and to this union three children were born. They moved to Dallas, Texas and he began working at Simmons Mattress Company for several years. Shortly thereafter, he met and married Florine Jones and to this union one child was born. He later met and married Juanita Johnson and no kids were born to this union.

He worked at Yellow Freight Systems and was a dedicated "Teamster" for 25 years until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Juanita Johnson; step-son, Edward Miller; one stepdaughter, Alfie Kearney; father, William Kearney; his mother, Lee Ella Blanks; his brother, Willie V.; and his sister, Martha.

He leaves to cherish his memories three sons, Walter Kearney, Wilbert D. Kearney, and Tim Kearney (Dedrea); daughter, Phyllis Kearney; one step-son, Emory Miller (Tammie); 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Del Cina Avery; brothers, Bennie Kearney and Hosie Ferguson, Jr. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of other relatives, neighbors, and friends.