MAIDEN, N.C. - Hazelene Whitworth Wilkinson, 78, of Maiden, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Abernethy Laurels.

She was born July 7, 1943 in Lincoln County to the late Hazel Edward Whitworth and Flossie Mae Grigg Whitworth. Hazelene retired from Hickory City Schools. She enjoyed reading, working puzzles, and visiting historical sites in North Carolina. Hazelene’s fondest memories were Sunday dinners at her mother’s house and having her family all together. Her children were her greatest inspirations and she always tried to set a good example. Hazelene’s favorite Bible verse was Matthew 7:12.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Glenn Thomas Wilkinson; daughter, Angelica Gay Church; and brother, Boyce Edwin Whitworth.

Those left to cherish her memory is her son Michael Wilkinson and wife Anita of Hickory; daughters Glenda Winters and husband Chuck of Maiden, Donna Littlejohn of Catawba; brother Ralph Yates of Iron Station; sister Barbara Sue Poston of Iron Station; grandchildren Elizabeth Benefield and husband Daniel of Catawba, Joshua Winters of Kannapolis, Michelle Littlejohn of Catawba, Brandon Littlejohn and wife Aurora of Hickory, Stewart Wilkinson and wife Amanda of Hickory, Justin McLean and wife Brittany of Greenville, Leslie Rhodarmer and husband Steven of Hickory, Robbie Littlejohn and wife Michelle of Myrtle Beach; great-grandchildren Brianna, Haylee, Madison, Trenton, Joseph, Macie, Axle, Alma, Coly, Lily, and JJ.

A graveside service to celebrate Hazelene’s life will be held on Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m. at Pisgah United Methodist Church in Catawba. Rev. Chuck Winters will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will follow at Balls Creek Independent Church in Newton.

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

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