Dorothy "Dot" Preast Wilkins

Dot was born to her parents Sam and Mae Preast on October 17, 1931 in Kennesaw, GA. She was married to James Wilkins on October 22, 1949. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Mae; her loving husband of 55 years, James; two older brothers, Wallace and Walter Preast; and many beloved family members and friends. She is survived by her two sons, Ricky (Linda) Wilkins and Steven (Vickie) Wilkins; brother, James Preast; Granddaughter, Amanda (Tyler) McDonald; three great-grandsons, Tristan, Austin and Jaxson McDonald; and many nieces and nephews.

Dot was raised and worked on a farm while growing up. She later worked as a substitute teacher at Due West Elementary, in the library at KSU and at the Post Office. She has been a member of New Salem Baptist Church since the age of 15 and also called Sutallee Baptist Church home while James pastored there for a few years.

Dot spent many years serving as a pastor’s wife, singing in the choir and teaching children in Sunday school. She was devoted to serving the Lord. She loved gardening and her flowers. She was a talented painter. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. She was beautiful inside and out. She was a generous, kind-hearted, inspiring and selfless woman.

An in person funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at New Salem Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Nicholas Pepper. The service will also be live streamed on New Salem’s website and Facebook page. She will lie in state from 2-3 PM at New Salem. Interment will follow at New Salem Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family from 4:00-6:00 PM on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Preast, Jim Preast, Tim Preast, Sam Preast, Tyler McDonald, Tristan McDonald, Austin McDonald, Jack Ford and Charlie Johnson.

The family gives a special thanks to Gaines Park Assisted Living for providing excellent care and companionship over the last 3 years.

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