Betty Evelyn (Smith) Wilkerson

Betty Evelyn Smith Wilkerson went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Betty was born on September 15, 1931 in Ohio, to the late Charles M. Smith and Goldie Grooms Smith. In the early fifties, Betty met Kenneth Wilkerson, who was serving at Clinton County Air Force Base in Wilmington, OH. They were married on January 31, 1953 and after Kenneth’s discharge, they returned to Ken’s native NC to begin their life together. Betty was a wonderful wife to Kenneth and a loving and available mother to their children, Pamela and Kenny. She created a warm and welcoming home for their extended family and many friends. Betty was known for her natural culinary talents, her almost-famous persimmon pudding recipe, and for always having homemade sour dough bread and something sweet on hand. Betty never met a stranger and was rarely at a loss for words. She was an active member at Western Avenue Baptist Church and attended the Lydia Sunday School class; she also was a member of the Red Hats Club, Oakdale Ladies Club and attended a cancer support group at Iredell Memorial Hospital until her health began to decline. She enjoyed life, especially traveling with Ken to such places as the Holy Land, England, Alaska and taking cruises to the Caribbean. Her greatest joy was always her family, and she was so proud to be a mother and a “Maw Maw.” In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth Clyde Wilkerson, her only son, Kenneth Clyde (Kenny) Wilkerson, Jr. and her brother, Marion Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela S. Lindley and husband, Louis Hayes (Lunk) Lindley; granddaughters, Lisa Dare Lindley Huff, Laura Marie Lindley Daniels (Ricky); great grandchildren, Morgan and Landon Huff, Noah and Garrett Bell and Ava Marie Daniels; siblings, Jean Thacker, Barbara Williams, Suzanne Smith and Michael Smith and special niece, Vickie Helton as well as many other extended family members. After battling cancer and other health issues for several years, Betty was at peace and joyously anticipating meeting the Lord face-to-face. She shared her faith in Christ with every member of her family to make sure they knew of His saving grace and gift of eternal life. She was intentional in passing on her legacy of faith to family and friends, and spoke frequently of the hope of heaven. Seeing Kenneth and Kenny again gave her an expectant joy. The family extends deeply felt and sincere thanks to: Dr. Ruby Grimm and staff; the Iredell infusion Center and nursing staff; and the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, especially Bobbie Northern and Crystal Brown. The family is very thankful for the great care these provided. Many thanks for all the prayers, visits, phone calls, cards, meals, and gestures of love and concern during this difficult time. Additionally, the family acknowledges the many loving kindnesses and special friendship of Eunice Brewer, Sandy Brewer, Colene Clark, Jean Tabor and Kyle Tucker. God bless you all. A celebration of Betty’s earthly life will begin with a visitation at Western Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. The funeral will also be held at Western Avenue Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. Jeff Spry officiating. Active pallbearers will be Bill Brewer, Terry Cline, Lynn Daniels, Robert Dye, Trevor Hill and Mike Huff. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Doug Mayberry and Mike Mayberry. It is asked that members of the Lydia Sunday School class sit together. The burial will be at Iredell Memorial Gardens Mausoleum at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 8, 2016. At all other times the family will assemble at 1022 Mocksville Hwy., Statesville, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Western Avenue Baptist Church, 1206 Museum Rd., Statesville, NC 28625, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or the charity of your choice. A special thanks to Mr. Joe Troutman and Nicholson Funeral Home of Statesville for serving the Wilkerson family during this time.