Zinvaline Wilkinson

Obituary In Memory of Zinvaline Johnson Wilkinson Zinvaline Johnson Wilkinson, 100, of Conyers, Georgia left her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, following a lengthy battle with heart disease. Mrs. Wilkinson was a true woman of God, never ceasing in her thirst for knowledge regarding Him and His mighty works. God was first and foremost in her life, followed by a sincere deep love for her husband and family, succeeded by her service in the church, community, and workplace. She often spoke of the order-importance of these life priorities because they determine our core values. Mrs. Wilkinson was a wonderful role model as a wife and mother, setting the highest standards for honesty, integrity, and moral character. All those who were fortunate enough to know her will agree that this world has indeed lost a very special person and are very saddened by her departure. Oh, what a joyous day she is now experiencing as the trumpets of heaven sound their welcome and she meets God face-to-face as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" The excitement of seeing all of her believing relatives and loved ones from current and past generations will be immeasurable, but the greatest privilege will be praising and worshiping God as King of kings and Lord of lords, forever and ever. Zinvaline ("Zin", as her close friends called her) was born in Georgiana, Alabama on December 20, 1916 to proud parents Joseph and Lula Johnson. Her father was originally a school principal and teacher, and later became a businessman who owned and operated a general store that provided clientele with the essential materials for country living, plus he owned land used for raising livestock and crops. Zin worked well in both of these environments, assisting with the selling of store merchandise to customers while also showing an appreciation for farm animals, as she could often be found feeding the pigs and chickens, and milking the cows. Zin attended one year at the University of Montevallo, located in Montevallo, Alabama. The following summer she met her true love and was married to S.D. Wilkinson of Blue Springs, Alabama on December 25, 1938. They were an inseparable couple and enjoyed 58 years together, spending their time as newlyweds in Alabama, then relocating to Virginia during World War II, with final settlement in Harlowe, NC. Upon the passing of S.D. in 1997 Zin moved to Conyers, Georgia where she spent her golden years living there with her daughter and also with her son in New Hampshire. A devoted member of the Harlowe United Methodist Church (UMC) in Harlowe, NC for 64 years, she served as the church organist for 35+ years. During this time period she also coordinated various children, youth, and adult choirs, and played for 84 funerals and 5 weddings. Other church duties included serving on the Administrative Board, Treasurer of the Building Fund, Church Historian, Communion Stewardess, and being an active member of and holding various offices in the United Methodist Women. Zin was also an associate member of the Conyers UMC in Conyers, Georgia for 20 years and played the piano for her Sunday school class whenever requested. She was a truly gifted musician and in her latter years of retirement continued to volunteer playing at various retirement homes and hospitals, which brought her audiences much comfort and stability, especially during their times of hardship. Zin often pleasantly surprised her friends with a memorized 30 minute medley of songs on the piano that included popular tunes from her era to the all-important religious hymns of her faith, and she continued playing them until her final days. Zin had 2 children and raised them in a loving home, always giving them encouragement and yes, even gentle discipline when necessary. As a homemaker, she spent countless hours managing the home and caring for the family members, while also somehow finding time to cook the most scrumptious southern food. In the workplace she was a Notary Public, a Carteret County tax record collector, and was the first employee of Connor Mobile Homes, with chief responsibilities in the credit, insurance, and financial bookkeeping departments. She also was the Havelock Office Manager for the Carteret County Electric Membership Corporation (REA). She bore many responsibilities during her lifetime and always did an outstanding job with each of them. Mrs. Wilkinson is survived by her 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Daughter Sheron (Roger) Bell of Conyers, GA and their family as follows: daughter Sheree (Mike) Frazier of Conyers, GA and their child Katie; daughter April (Scott) McCreless of Rome, GA and their children Jack, Emma, and Josh. Also surviving her is son Rudy (Debby) Wilkinson of West Lebanon, NH and their family as follows: son Jason (Jamie) Wilkinson of Maynard, MA and their children Jack and Sadie; daughter Carrie (Jeff) Miller of Raleigh, NC and their children Christian and Isaac; and son Nathan Wilkinson (Susan) of Raleigh, NC and their child Cooper. Mrs. Wilkinson was predeceased by her husband and parents, and also 4 siblings: Louis Couey of Livingston, AL; Alvin Johnson of New Orleans, LO; Ulay Johnson of Montgomery, AL; and Christine Phares of Brandon, MS. Wake services to honor Mrs. Wilkinson will be held at the Brooks Funeral Home in Morehead City, NC from 6-8pm on Friday, March 31, 2017, with a subsequent funeral service being officiated by Lay Minister Tanya Lewis at the Harlowe UMC in Harlowe, NC beginning at 2pm on Saturday, April 1, 2017, immediately followed by burial on the church grounds. Pallbearers are Rudy, Jason, and Nathan Wilkinson; Jeff Miller; Scott and Jack McCreless; and George and Corbitt Norris. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the Harlowe UMC Cemetery Fund. Thanks to the many individuals who have expressed condolences and shared fond memories of how Zin had a positive impact on their lives. Please join her family as they bid a final farewell. Visitation 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Friday, March 31, 2017 Brooks Funeral Home 201 Professional Circle Morehead City, NC 28557 Funeral Service 2:00 PM ,Saturday, April 1, 2017 Harlowe United Methodist Church 4261 Hwy 101 Newport, NC 28570 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Zinvaline Wilkinson