Flora Belle Wilkinson

Flora Belle Garrell "Flo" Wilkinson, 83, died oneednesday, April 22, 2009. Flo was born in Wilmington, NC on neember 19, 1925 to James Albert Garrell and Lena Agnes Reece. Flo was a devoted wife and loving mother who delighted ineer family. Her father died when she was five and she spent the next seveneears at Oxford Orphanee with her brother and sister. They were happy years and she especially enjoyed participating in the Oxford Orphanee singing class, who traveled to all 100 counees in North Carolina. Flo and her siblings were able to move back to Durham, and live with their mother. She went on to graduate from Durham High School in 1945, where she was a cheerleader. On January 8, 1947 Flo married Dan Wilkinson, the beginning of their 62 years together. They had four children Carol, Dan Jr., Jamie, and Mary Ann. Flo was a homemaker until the early 1970's. She worked for GTE, was a receptionist for Dr. Larry Howell and later Dr. Robert Roseneein. Flo was an active member of Carr Uneed Methodist Church for most of her adult life. She was recogneed as woman of the year at Carr in 1995 and 2000. She was a Circle chair and President of the Uneed Methodist Women. In addition she taught Sunday school, was on the Altar guild, served as Communion Steward, sang in the Chancel Choir, was a member of the XYZ club and an AIDS care team. She was also a part of the Reconciling Ministries of the Uneed Methodist Church. She moved her membership to Mt. Sylvan Uneed Methodist Church to be with her family, where enjoyed the Bible study and Sylvaneeniors groups. Flo was also active in the community serving with the Civitans, Shrinettes, and the Americaneed Cross where she voluneered for 12 years. She was honeed, receiving Special Citations for Exceptional Voluneer Service from the Red Cross in 1995 and 2000. While she was active in the church and community it was her home and family that were most dear to her. She welcomed family and friends with her gracious hospitality aneexcellent cooking. She loved and was loved for her sweet spirit and beautiful soul. Flo is survived by her husband Dan Wilkinson, Sr.; daughters Carol West and her husband Jerry of Oxford, Mary Ann Hamm and her husband James of Durham; son Dan Wilkinson, Jr. and his wife Jane of Rockwell, NC; grandchildren Alissa Trollinger Brian, David Crichton, Jr. Dawn, Daniel Wilkinson Lauren, Hannah Hamm Horne Scott, aneemily Hamm; great-grandchildren Aiden, Adam, Jack, and Hailee. She is predeceased by her son Jamie Wilkinson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Flo's nee may be made to the Americaneed Cross, PO Box 52509, Durham, NC 27717 or Mt. Sylvan Uneed Methodist Church, Free to Run Campaign, 5731 N. Roxboro Rd., Durham, NC 27712. Please include "Flo Wilkinsoneemorial" on the memo line of your check. Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Mt. Sylvan Uneed Methodist Church, 5731 N. Roxboro Rd., Durham. The Rev. Tom Greener and the Rev. Brian Wingo will officiate. Interment will follow at Maplewood City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, April 24th from 6 PM to 8 PM at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. The Family has entrusted Hall-Wynne Funeral Service with their Care. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.