Nell Ray Bearden Wilkes, 88, of Fayetteville passed away on Monday morning (July 31, 2017) at her home. Funeral service for Mrs. Wilkes will be conducted Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 11 AM at Higgins Funeral Home with pastors David Arrington and Sara Weber officiating. Burial to follow in Booneville Cemetery.
She was the daughter of the late Rollie and Nannie McGee Bearden. She was retired from the Lincoln County Trustee’s Office and Tennessee Livestock Producers and was a member of the Booneville United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wilkes was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Don Wilkes, who passed away January 29, 2013, an infant son, Jerry Ray Wilkes, and a brother, J.D. Bearden.
She is survived by her children, Patsy Jo Moore and husband, John, of Winchester, Barbara Ann Groce and husband, Jerry, of Roxboro, NC, and Brenda Mai Wilkes of Fayetteville; grandson, Brent Wilkes Groce and wife, Rachel, of Roxboro, NC; and beloved family members, Faye Liddie, Nan Bearden Sims and Joann Bearden Lindsey, all of Fayetteville, and Dan Bearden of Murfreesboro.
Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 5 until 7 PM at Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Booneville United Methodist Church care of Bill Martin at 165 Bill Martin Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
To the family
I am sorry for the loss of Mrs. Nell. She was such a sweet lady. Mrs. Nell always had a smile on her face. I know she is greatly missed. She was a wonderful lady. Love you all. Melissa
MRS. NELL RAY BEARDEN WILKES WAS A TRUE SOUTHERN GENTEEL CHRISTIAN LADY WHOM I ALWAYS DEEPLY ADMIRED. SHE ALWAYS MET YOU WITH A SMILE & POSITIVE ATTITUDE. SHE WAS ONE WHO DIDNT HAVE TO TELL YOU SHE WAS A CHRISTIAN – SHE LIVED IT! Love to the family & may GOD BLESS YOU,
Dear Patsy and Brenda,
Debbie and I were saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. You are both special to us and we know about the loss of a mother. God Bless you both.
Anyone who had the privilege to know Mrs. Nell knew in an instant you were in the presence of a person who loved God and lived by His example. Her legacy will continue with her three wonderful daughters, family members, and those lives she has touched. As Palms 100:5 reads, For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patsy & Family,
So sorry for the los of your Mom. She was such
a sweet person.
Patsy & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such a sweet person , known by all of the Mulberry kids.
She will be truly missed.
Love,
Mrs. Nell was one of the sweetest people. Her smile could light up a room. Girls you and your families are in my thoughts.
Deeply Sadden to hear of the death of Ms. Wilkes
My prayers go out to the Wilkes Family.
So sorry for your loss, Patsy. May the Lord give you comfort, strength, and understanding during this trying time.
Ann,
So sorry for your loss. Will be in my prayers.
Mom and I enjoyed our visits with the family over the last few years. She was always smiling!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mrs Nell was such a beautiful wonderful lady, so gracious and kind hearted.
Brenda, Ann and Patsy, my heart breaks for you in the passing of your precious mother. You truly were all blessed with the best. Love to all of you.
Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Love,
One of the nicest and kindest ladies I have ever known Will be truly missed
Mrs. Nell was the epitome of a true southern lady, always with a smile and a kind word. We are all blessed to have known and loved her. Her legacy continues in her three wonderful daughters, who share their mother’s strong character and kind heart. My sympathy to the family in this loss.