Monday, December 23, 2024 9:42 am

Deanna Rose Hayes Wilkerson, age 76, of Forest City passed away December 12, 2024.

Her spirit is carried on by her son Brad Wilkerson, daughter Jennifer Wilkerson Blanton, son-in-law Kevin Blanton, daughter-in-law Cindy Wilkerson-Capps; grandchildren; Harrison Wilkerson, Molly Blanton Carden, Zeke Wilkerson, Jia Wilkerson, Lillie Mei Wilkerson, Abigail Blanton, Noah Wilkerson, Nate Blanton, and Jude Wilkerson; sister Sarah Hayes-Sullivan; brothers Larry Hayes and Tim Hayes, and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Betty and Buck Hayes, her husband Larry Wilkerson, and her son Kirk Wilkerson.

Dee grew up in Watauga County. After graduating from Watauga High School, she met the love of her life Larry Wilkerson at Appalachian State University, and they married in 1968. Larry and Dee opened and ran Wilkerson Insurance Agency in Forest City for over 20 years. Dee was also a licensed NC Realtor, photographer, Girl Scout leader, PTO president, and President of the Christian Women's Club.

A celebration of life will be held at 3PM December 29 in the chapel at the Padgett and King Mortuary. Receiving friends will immediately follow the service at the mortuary.

The family suggests that memorials in her memory be made to Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, 380 US-221 N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.