Joseph Edward Vickers

Joseph Edward (JE) Vickers, 79, was born on the Vickers Farm in 1941 to the late MacDonald and Marie Wells Vickers and passed away at his home on this farm on February 6, 2021. JE was also preceded in death by his brother, Franklin D. Vickers of Charlotte and his step-daughter, Anne Ellis of Saratoga.

He was raised on the Elm City family farm and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for four years. Afterwards, as a civilian, he began a long career as a truck driver and retired from Reuse Technology in 2006. He loved deer hunting and rabbit hunting with his beloved Beagles. He enjoyed and took pride in the gardens he planted each Spring. JE made sure he had enough vegetables for his freezer and his mother’s freezer as well. Living next door, he faithfully checked on his mother every day until her death in 2003.

JE leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 40 years, Susie Whitley Vickers and two step-sons, Robert Keel (Susan) of Saratoga, NC and James Keel of Wilson. His surviving brothers and sisters are Eugene Vickers (Kiyoko) of San Diego, CA, Harold Vickers (Carolyn) of Harrisburg, NC, Cordell Vickers (Sue) of Clearwater, FL, Jimmy Vickers (Patsy) and Bobby Vickers (Rita), both of Rocky Mount, NC, Truman Vickers (Sandi) of Elm City, NC, Wayne Vickers (Sherry) of Hallsboro, NC, Carolyn Mobley of Rocky Mount, NC, Marian Irish (Terry) of Elm City, NC, Brenda Hart of Lawrenceville, GA, Ann Hammock of Midlothian, VA and Frances Riley (Matt) of Raleigh, NC, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank his special caregivers, Bonnie Virgil, Beverly Capps, Elizabeth Strange, Norma Richardson, and Shekeiya Phillips of Community Hospice Care of Rocky Mount. The family will always be grateful for the care you gave with such great compassion.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 10th, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at Thomas- Yelverton Funeral Home, Wilson, NC, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Dr. DJ Cauble will officiate. Interment will follow in Stantonsburg Cemetery, Stantonsburg, NC. Due to COVID-19 concerns, mask and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Dr., Greenville, NC 27834. Cancer.org

Funeral services are under the direction of Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home, Wilson, NC. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.thomasyelverton.com.