Rebecca Brotherton

Rebecca “Becky” Maxwell Wilder Brotherton age 91 went home the Lord July 1, 2014. Born to Ralph and Kate Maxwell in Whigham, Georgia January 28, 1923 Becky was raised in Monticello Florida where she attended school from first grade through high school after which she attended Georgia State College for Women. She then worked at the Bainbridge Army Airfield where she met and married her first husband, Gene Wilder in 1944. The couple lived in Attaplulgus, Georgia until moving to Orlando in 1954. Becky has been an active member of the College Park United Methodist Church since that time. An avid camper and boater, she shared her love of the out of doors and her adventurous spirit through her role as a Girl Scout Leader in Citrus Council of Girl Scouts building confidence, teaching life skills and making memories of a lifetime for many girls and young women over the years.

Whether canoeing or motor boating Florida’s many waterways or hiking the Appalachian Trail Becky was always ready to go and do and see. And with her second husband, John Brotherton, whom she married in 1981, go they did! In several motor homes through many retirement years they explored every state in the union including Alaska, every province in Canada and flew to Hawaii. Becky dearly loved the folk culture of the Appalachian Mountains and enjoyed her summer cottage in Arden North Carolina where she became a master Folk Storyteller and cultivated dear and lasting friendships.

Her sweet smile, gentle ways and true caring for others earned her many friends throughout her life whether through her activity groups such as Square Dancing, Good Sam Club, Bridge Club, Church Circle or just encounters on the trail of life. She was truly a participant in life, looking for the next sight to see, game to play, gathering to plan or road to travel. Sitting still did not come easy to her.For all the love she shared with others her family was most important.She is survived by her loving husband John Allen Brotherton.Daughter Jan Wilder, Step Daughters Beth McArthur, Norma Flory and Kay Adams; Predeceased by brother Folsom Maxwell, survived by brother H. Quinton Maxwell and sister Kathryn “Kitty” Davis; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews. And hundreds of people whose hearts were touched by this fine genteel, down to earth, strong, kind, smiling, caring southern woman and servant to the Lord Jesus Christ. Memorial contributions may be made to College Park United Methodist Church, Methodist Children's Home.