Dianne Wilkins

Dianne was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank Wilkins; her son Franklin “Rowdy” Wilkins; her sister Elaine E. Gilligbauer; her brother Patrick Amarose; and her parents Pasquale and Thelma Amarose.

She is survived by her son Patrick Wilkins and his fiancée Janice Robinson; her daughter Leslie Reed and husband David Reed; her grandchildren, Ashley Moore and her partner Denton Hedgepeth, and Meagan Wilkins and her partner Dave Long; and her great-grandchildren Willow Molina and Hazel Rose Hedgepeth. She is also survived by her sisters Stephanie Barna and Patricia Paveloski, and sister-in-law Maria Best Wilkins.

Dianne was a loving and devoted wife of nearly 60 years to her husband, Frank, with whom she enjoyed shopping and sitting together on the porch drinking coffee and watching the wild turkeys wander by.

She was a fighter, a tough woman, loving but a no-nonsense taker, who protected and cared deeply for her family. Dianne was a dedicated sports fan of her children, attending every Shamokin basketball and football game as they grew up. She also proudly served as a cheerleading coach, supporting young athletes with enthusiasm and spirit.

She had a deep love for her Boston Terrier–bulldogs, who were her loyal companions throughout her life, and also adored her last dog, Daisy, a mixed-breed who held a very special place in her heart. She enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, browsing department stores , treating herself to McDonald’s, playing rummy, doing crossword puzzles, and relaxing with puzzles on her computer.

Dianne was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family. She made wonderful holiday meals and created traditions that brought everyone together during the holidays.

Her family will forever cherish the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte, North Carolina.