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CONOVER, N.C. - Jeanette Wilkerson, 90, of Conover peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Abernethy Laurels in Newton.

She was born December 7, 1933 in Princess Anne County, Va. to the late Leonard and Vivian Hartley Wilkerson. Jeanette graduated Creeds High School in Virginia Beach in 1951 and was actively involved in academics, sports, student council, and drama. She was the 1951 senior class secretary and excelled both on the basketball court and in her studies, being voted “Most Studious”, “Best Looking” and “Quietest” by her classmates.

In the 1960’s Princess Anne County and Virginia Beach were rapidly expanding and she quickly found employment with the Social Services Department starting out in their accounting division. She spent the next 35 years rising to a supervisory position within the Welfare division of Social Services with a staff of what she lovingly referred to as “the girls in my unit”. Upon her retirement in 1999 she continued to be active in living her best life as the personalized tag on her car was “GUD LIFE.” In 2015 she moved to North Carolina to be closer to family and quickly made friends that would join her in winery tours and shopping sprees.

Jeanette’s faith was an integral part of her life, attending Baptist, Methodist, and non-denominational churches in Virginia and North Carolina. She lived out her beliefs through acts of generosity and by supporting various ministries.

Jeanette will be remembered for kindness, strength, and the love she shared with all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather “Pop Glenny” Whitehurst of Virginia Beach, Va.; and grandson, Kevin Grimstead.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters Deborah Gattenby and husband Joe of Wichita, Kansas, Cynthia Heard and husband J.D. of Conover; cherished grandchildren Steven Grimstead, David (JJ) Chappelle, and Devin Gattenby; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service to celebrate Jeanette’s life will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton. Rev. Dr. Tom Mabry will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3:30 to 4 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658

Condolences may be sent to the Wilkerson family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Wilkerson family.

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