Thora Wilkins

Four Oaks, NC: Mrs. Thora Strickland Wilkins, age 100 of 704 Tucker Street passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Barbour Court Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Smithfield.  Funeral Service will be 11:00AM-Saturday, June 15, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Four Oaks. Rev. John Norman will officiate.  Burial will follow in Four Oaks City Cemetery in Four Oaks. Mrs. Wilkins was born in December 31, 1912, the third child and first girl of thirteen children born to the late Ranson Bennett "Bud" and Ida West Strickland in Four Oaks. She was preceded in death by great-grandchild, Cheryl Atwood and by siblings Wilbert, Emory, Randall, Rayford, Leemon, Norman, Oliver, Reid, Edna and Ora.  When Thora finished the 6th grade, she willingly, but regrettably, quit school to help her mother with her siblings.  As a young woman she sang alto in a quartet with her siblings, Wilbert, Emory and Ora giving her a lifelong love of music.  On November 24, 1934 she married Merland C. "M.C." Wilkins of Four Oaks.  She was a farmers wife and briefly worked as a clerk at the old Maggie Tart Store in Four Oaks. Thora also barned and graded tobacco to help with her family finances.  In her later years she operation child care in her home.  Many of these children remained in touch with her until her death.  Greeting each day as a gift and with a smile, she loved God, family, church and her beautiful yard. Her devotion and nursing home care at home to her beloved husband, M.C. for the last 6 1/2 years of his life until his death on September 2, 1996.  She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She leaves behind to cherish her memory Daughters & Sons-in-law, Willie & Bob Bongiorno of New Bern, NC; Vida G. Stafford of Mt. View, California; and Ida & Tom Mayes of Clayton; Son & Daughter-in-law, Mack & Jennifer Wilkins of Durham, NC; Sister, Hilda Wood of Garner; Brother, Auburn Strickland of Kernersville, NC. Special Sister-in-law, Agnes Phelps of Four Oaks; Ten Grandchildren and  Fifteen Great-Grandchildren and Several Great-Great Grandchildren. Special thanks goes to Rhonda Scott and Dianne Parrish for their love and concern during the past several years.     The family will receive friends from 9:30AM-10:45AM Saturday, June 15, 2013 in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church in Four Oaks. The family suggest in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 717, Four Oaks, NC 27524 or to 3HC Hospice, 723 S. Third Street Smithfield, NC 27577 "This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long."