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; her grandchildren;, Harrison Wilkerson, Molly Blanton Carden, Zeke Wilkerson, Jia Wilkerson, Lillie Mei Wilkerson, Abigail Blanton, Noah Wilkerson, Nate Blanton, and Jude Wilkerson; her sister Sarah Hayes-Sullivan; her brothers Larry Hayes and Tim Hayes, and an extended family of longtime friends and children from every walk of life.  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 and proudly called Boone her hometown.  She shared many stories of living in Tweetsie railroad’s boxcar and caboose, an old farmhouse in Todd where she would milk the cows every morning and help take care of the chickens and goats, and playing on the front porch of her great grandparent’s log cabin that now is displayed at the Horn In The West’s outdoor museum in Boone. After graduating from Watauga High School in 1966, 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 together. Although Larry was the salesman, she was who everyone would want to do business with and talk to. Through their hard work and dedication, Larry achieved recognition rewards which included trips and allowed them to travel throughout the world. Although Dee aways worked at Wilkerson Insurance, she pursued other career dreams and hobbies over the years. She was a licensed NC Realtor, photographer, Girl Scout leader, PTO president, and President of the Christian Women’s Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, cross stitching with her mother, Betty, and later in life (much to her children’s dismay) she was a motorcycle enthusiast.

Dee’s proudest accomplishments in life were her three children and nine grandchildren. She would light up when telling stories of the countless sporting events, dance recitals, school programs, and award ceremonies that she attended of theirs over the years. She never missed a single game or activity of her 3 children, and she loved cheering them on from the stands. Dee had a passion for animals and had many loving pets, she talked of her pets as much as she did her kids. She felt that every stray needed a home, and it was often her home where they ended up. Her home was always open to any dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, or fish that found their way there. She extended that same hospitality to all her friends, family, neighbors, and her children’s friends. You could often find her and Larry dancing in the kitchen while cooking dinner for whomever showed up hungry. Many considered her as a second Mom, and she will always be remembered for her dimples and heart-warming smile.  

A celebration of life will be held at 3 P.M. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in the chapel at The Padgett and King Mortuary, 227 East Main St. Forest City. 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, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

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