James Wilkins

James “Jimmie” Arlen Wilkins Sr. 78, of Lenoir went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Born March 8, 1942, he was the son of the late James A. Wilkins and Ella Mae Jenkins Wilkins. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Shonna Caldwell and grandson Bradley Bridges.

Jimmie graduated from Olive Hill High School, Morganton, NC, he furthered his education through attending Knoxville College, TN; and Western Piedmont Community College, Morganton, NC. He was later employed at Valdese Hospital, as a Health Care Assistant; and held a supervisory position at Southern Devices. His lasting career calling in which he served and retired was with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NC DPS), as a Correctional Officer at Burke County’s famous, “High-Rise.”

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jimmie B. Wilkins of the home; Children: Rodney (Mary) Moore of Charlotte, NC; James (Alicia) Arlen Wilkins Jr. of Hickory; Renee Littlejohn, Morganton; Chico L. Bivens, Hickory, Lawonna Wilkins, Atlanta GA; Shamyya James, Conover; Dwonna (Jvernon) Gray, Atlanta, GA; Evonna Caldwell, Hickory; Michelle (James) Freeman, Tallassee, AL; Dawn (James) Lynch, Morganton; Gabriel Avery, Hickory; Rev. Donaiel (Eris) Allen, Lenoir; 37 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren; One Sister, Ms. Catherine Jackson; Niece, Valerie Jackson; Nephew, Bryan Ramseur; Special Cousin, Ms. Mary Ruth Rucker; Special Friend, Mr. Herman Avery, and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at Kirksey Funeral Home, Morganton, NC on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to funeral service. Burial will follow at the cemetery of Israel Chapel AME, Connelly Springs, NC.

Due to COVID-19 and state regulations each attendee is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The Wilkins family has entrusted Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton with arrangements.