Jearldeen Smith Wilkerson

Jearldeen Smith Wilkerson, 99, of Hollins, formerly of Catawba, Virginia, was born March 15, 1925 and passed away, Monday, March 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband George Wilbur Wilkerson; parents, Joseph Marshall Smith and Edith Lee Smith; siblings, Clemmer Eugene Smith (Freda), Eileen Smith Lee (Chad), Leonard Giles Smith (Mary), Marshall Hammond Smith; nephew, Sherrill Smith.

Jearldeen is survived by her daughter, Debra Wilkerson; nephew, Cletus Lee (Janes); nieces, Sherry Smith Millirons (Bob), Joyce Wilkerson Seay (Billy); Maxine Smith, wife of Sherrill Smith; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Jearldeen was born and raised in the beautiful Catawba Valley. She often said her long life was attributed to an early diet of fresh food, fresh air, and friendships only experienced from country living. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and moved to Hollins in 1950 when she married her husband George. They remained happy and in love for 66 years. She worked for The County of Roanoke in several departments including the Board of Supervisors. She later worked as a secretary for Enon Baptist Church for 45 years, finally retiring at the age of 82.

She was both a wonderful wife and a loving mother. She was able to live independently for over 74 years, only recently living a few months with her daughter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Roanoke Valley SPCA (1340 Baldwin Ave NW Roanoke, Virginia 24012. Services will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel with Pastor Glen Giles and Pastor Troy Mays officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to service time. Following the service there will be a reception at Enon Baptist Church. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel. (540)366-0707.