Barbara Esther Wilkerson, age 90 of Forest City, died Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Highlands Senior Living Center where she was a resident.  Barbara was born on January 2, 1934, in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Ralph Wilkerson and Brama Lee Jones Wilkerson.  She was a graduate of Charlotte Central High School and formerly attended Adaville Baptist Church.

She worked as a professional Photographer which allowed her to travel through the country on photo assignments.  Barbara loved the outdoors and until recently she worked in her gardens and caring for her property which she loved. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ella Sue Wilkerson Calhoun (Clyde), Faye Evelyn Wilkerson Earley (Wilbur), Annie Margaret Wilkerson Greenway (Mack), and her brother, Fred Joshua Wilkerson (Betty). 

She is survived by her sister, Nora Geraldine Wilkerson Smith of Silver Spring, Maryland, and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends that loved Barbara.

A memorial service will be held at 1 o’clock on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in The Padgett and King Chapel with the Reverend Sidney Calhoun officiating.  At her request, her ashes will be scattered at a later date.  No formal visitation is planned.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Highland’s Senior Living Center and Medi Hospice for the love and care they gave to Barbara.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com