Iris Mason Gillikin

Obituary Iris Mason Gillikin, 86, of Otway died Saturday, June 15, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Otway Christian Church, with the pastor, Rev. Jack Mumford, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Mrs. Gillikin was born May 25, 1933, in Morehead City, to Ira and Hazel Mason. She grew up in the Stacy community. Iris married Vance Gillikin in Morehead City on July 26, 1952. Iris attended Atlantic Elementary School. She worked early on at the Morehead City Shirt Factory and then at Smyrna Elementary School until retirement in 1989. Never one to sit around, she went back to work at G&R Grocery for several years and with the NC Ferry Division at Cedar Island where she loved meeting people from all over the country. Iris was involved with a number of organizations during her lifetime. She was a founding member of the Otway Fire Department and EMS. She volunteered with the East Carteret Marching Mariners during her children and grandchildrens school years (delicious clambakes). She directed 26 weddings for family and friends. She was a member of the Otway Christian Church for over 60 years. She held many church offices over the years, lastly serving as an Elder. She is survived by her husband Vance Gillikin of Otway; one son, James Gillikin and companion Carolyn of Otway; one daughter, Candi Beacham and husband Eddie of Otway; daughter-in-law, Donna Gillikin Pullen of Newport; six grandchildren, Jamie Gillikin and companion Brooke, Alicia Cole and husband James, Brandi Tutor and husband Michael, Jason Gillikin, Michael Beacham and wife Brittany, and Krista Beacham; ten great-grandchildren, Dominick Sorey, Alyssa Huneycutt, Kayla Cole, Kendall Cole, Jaelyn Beacham, Raiven Tutor, Finley Beacham, Harper Beacham, Maverick Tutor, Kenly Gillikin, and two great-grandchildren on the way, Michael Elias Beacham and Colt Mason Gillikin; sisters, Shirley Shafer of Otway, Adelaide Keller of St. Stephen, SC, Connie Noe of Otway and Janice Fulcher of Stacy; sister-in law, Phyllis Gillikin of Harkers Island. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family who she thought the world of. In addition to her parents, her son, Ricky Allen Gillikin, and sister, Bobbie James, precede her in death. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge, 930 Wellness Drive A, Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 695-6143 or Carteret Health Care Foundation for Hospice/Home Health Fund, P.O. Drawer 1619, Morehead City, NC 28557. Services Visitation Wednesday June 19, 2019 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Otway Christian Church 242 Gillikin Road Beaufort, NC 28516 Memorial Service Wednesday June 19, 2019 2:00 PM Otway Christian Church 242 Gillikin Road Beaufort, NC 28516