Grace Wilkins

Angier - Grace Wilkins, 92, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. A lifelong native of Harnett County, she was the daughter of the late Don Wimberly, Sr. and Della Bullock Wimberly. Grace attended school at Angier School where she was a member of the last class to attended school through only Grade 11. Grace talked many times about having to walk back and forth, about a mile each way, from school every day. After graduating, she attended business school in Raleigh. Following graduation from business school, she worked for a short time at Angier School as an administrative assistant. After a few years at home to start a family, Grace went to work with the Montgomery-Green Company in Raleigh and 42 years later, she retired from the company. Grace began volunteering at North Harnett Elementary School assisting students with reading. She found joy in helping the children at the school and was acknowledged as the person who volunteered the most hours at the school more than once. She was a lifelong member of Kennebec Baptist Church in Kennebec, NC. In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ralph Wilkins; and her brothers, Noel Bullock, Don Wimberly Jr., and Billy Wimberley. Grace is survived by her sons David of Middlesex, NC, Mark and wife Dorothy of Angier; daughter Nancy Ayers and husband Phil of Angier; grandsons Jordan Steedly and Justin Steedly of California; granddaughters Charlie Vayo of Winterville, NC and Lynnea Robertson and husband Forrest of Lillington, NC; five great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson. Words cannot express the joy she found in all her activities with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her time spent visiting in person or on the phone with her many, many friends and family; her time spent at church; her time spent playing the piano at church, at the living center, and at home; her time spent in the garden; and, even the time spent with her children when they weren’t getting on her last nerve. The family would like to thank all the friends and family, both living and those deceased, that spent time with our mom throughout her life. Over the past few days, many of you have told us how much she meant to your lives. We want you to know that you all meant just as much to her. She has enjoyed every minute of every conversation she was able to have with you. Please join us if you can on Saturday July 11th at 12:00 noon at Lakeside Memorial Gardens, Angier for – in accordance with her long expressed wishes – a short graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her beloved Kennebec Baptist Church.