Blevin "Ann" Wilkinson

Blevin “Ann” Gillis Wilkinson, 89, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at Givens Estate Retirement Community in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by family. Ann was born on July 1, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the eldest daughter of the late Glenn and Clara Gillis. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Rev. Dr. Larry Dale Wilkinson, as well as by her parents, siblings, and in-laws.

Ann leaves behind a legacy carried forward by the family she cherished so deeply: her son Eric Wilkinson (Missy) of Lincolnton, North Carolina, and grandchildren Kyle Wilkinson (Bailey) and Sydney Boyles (Jacob); daughter Cindy Huskey (Greg) of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and grandchildren Brent Huskey (Sarah) and Laura Ann O’Sullivan (Sean); and daughter Dale Ann Plyler (Davey) of Monroe, North Carolina, and grandchildren Anna Campbell (Jordan) and Grace Plyler. She is also lovingly remembered by eight great-grandchildren who were among her greatest joys. To those closest to her heart, she was simply and affectionately known as “Monk.”

A proud graduate of West Mecklenburg High School’s Class of 1954, Ann later earned her education degree from High Point College in 1973. She devoted many years to shaping young lives as a teacher in several North Carolina school districts. Yet her ministry extended far beyond the classroom. As the devoted partner of Larry throughout his 46 years of service as a United Methodist pastor and District Superintendent within the Western North Carolina Conference, Ann faithfully served beside him in nine churches and four districts, opening her home and heart to countless individuals along the way. Wherever they were called, Ann created warmth, belonging, and community.

Following retirement in 2001, Larry and Ann settled in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, a place that reflected their love for faith, fellowship, and the mountains they cherished. After Larry’s passing in 2008, Ann remained there, continuing a life marked by service through volunteer work and meaningful friendships. She found happiness in music, laughter shared with family and friends, and caring for her beloved animals. Together, Larry and Ann were enthusiastic members of a spirited group of United Methodist ministers, spouses, and devoted Duke University basketball fans known as the “Lake Junaluska Duke Crazies”. Ann’s lifelong love of basketball began years earlier as a standout player at West Mecklenburg High School.

In 2021, Ann moved to Givens Estate due to declining health.

Ann will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, generous hospitality, and unwavering love. She never met a stranger. She often said that the first time you visited her home you were a guest - but from then on, you were family. Her table was always open, her laughter freely given, and her presence a steady reminder of grace, humility, and welcome.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in the assurance that she is reunited in Heaven with the love of her life, Larry, along with family members and dear friends who went before her.

Ann’s life was a quiet testimony of faith lived daily - through service, hospitality, devotion to family, and steadfast love for others. She trusted deeply in the promises of Christ and lived with the assurance that this life was only the beginning. Though her absence leaves an ache for those who loved her, her family rejoices in the promise fulfilled: that she now rests in eternal peace, reunited with Larry and welcomed home by the Savior she faithfully followed. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Services will be held on March 7, 2026, at McEwen Funeral Services at Forest Lawn West. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. A graveside service will immediately follow the funeral service. Services will be led by Ann’s grandson, Kyle Wilkinson. Her granddaughters, Anna Campbell and Grace Plyler, will lead the congregation in music. Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Wilkinson, Greg Huskey, Davey Plyler, Brent Huskey, Sean O’Sullivan, Jacob Boyles, and Jordan Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:

● Four Seasons Hospice Care | 571 S Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731

● Givens Estate Retirement Community | 2360 Sweeten Creek Rd. Asheville, NC 28803