Martha O'Rear Wilkinson

Martha O’Rear Wilkinson was ushered into the arms of Jesus on October 7, 2021 and finds her new home in heaven. Warm hearted, spunky and a lot of fun, she was the only child of Odessa Henley and Judson O’Rear. After a wonderful childhood in Jasper, Alabama where she graduated from Walker County High School, she left for Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. It was the beginning of World War II and many young men were training to be pilots at Maxwell Field. It was there Martha met Lt. William A. Wilkinson, Jr. and it was love at first sight. They were married in June 1945. After the war, they moved to Raleigh, NC where Bill attended NC State University. After graduation, they lived in Rocky Mount and High Point before finally settling in Raleigh. She lost him in 2016 after 70 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1965, Martha and Bill opened Wilkinson Supply Company, and worked together in that business until their retirement. It is still run today by the Wilkinson grandchildren. In later years, Martha and Bill enjoyed traveling to points all over the world. She loved their summers in Utah and their travels to the National Parks and other places in the west. But best of all, she loved skiing the mountains of Park City in the winter. She also enjoyed tennis and participated in the two sports into her eighties. Duplicate bridge was a big part of her later life. Martha and Bill were charter members of Highland United Methodist Church and members of Carolina Country Club.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Brock, and her son William Andrew (Andy).She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Damon Brock(Jane), Erin Brock Fulk(Jeff), Melissa Brock Williams(Craig), Victoria Brock, Judson Brock(Hannah), Audrey Wilkinson Loder(Brad), Courtney Wilkinson Kane(Jonathan), and Drew Wilkinson(Sarah). She also leaves her pride and joy of 20 great grandchildren with another on the way, and 2 upcoming great-great grandchildren. What a legacy! The family is extremely thankful for the care Martha, lovingly known as Mimaw, received the past two years from Maura Keihn and her team of caregivers.

A memorial service for Martha will be held Monday, October 11, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Resolute (https://www.operationresolute.org/) or North Raleigh Ministries (https://northraleighministries.com/give/) in Martha's memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Wilkinson family.