Carol Jean Wilkerson Tate

Carol Jean Wilkerson Tate, 86, passed away on Saturday morning June 24, 2024.

Jean was born in Hillsborough, NC to Claiborn and Eunice (Wilson) Wilkerson, and was the third of six children. Their sibling shenanigans were lifelong, as the bond that they formed working their family farm was strong. At Hillsborough High School, Jean was involved in the future homemakers of America, was a bus driver and loved playing basketball. She spent many hours volunteering at the Schley Grange Hall.

She met Bill Tate on a blind date, and their love and devotion to each other grew with each passing year. After briefly traveling with the Army, they settled in Mebane, NC, where they raised two children, Robin and Tony. Jean was a talented seamstress who sewed beautiful clothing for fashionable ladies, cheerleading squads, marching bands, equestrians, brides, and prom goers. As her children grew older, she enjoyed bookkeeping for several local businesses. She was a founding member of the Hawfields Garden Club and a long-time member of Hawfields Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully and is remembered fondly for her famous fried apple pies. She and Bill eventually returned to their roots as members of First Baptist Church in Mebane. They were always active in their church and community and they loved to travel with friends and family. They spent much of their time in Bogue Inlet, NC, and infused a special love for those shores into five generations of Wilkersons. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and spent many happy years pouring into their lives. Her great-grandchildren brought out a particular joy in her later years.

Jean is survived by her husband of 68 years, William F. Tate Jr.; her daughter Robin (Rob) Harper, and son Tony (Vera) Tate; her grandchildren, Erin (Erick) Lawson, Will Harper, Jay Harper, and Allison (Chris) Kincheloe; and five great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brothers Roy Wilkerson and Johnny (Wendy) Wilkerson, her brother-in-law Charles Tilley, and her sister-in-law Gail Wilkerson, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Her family offers their sincere gratitude to her dedicated caregivers Sarah Strayhorn and Frances Richmond.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2 PM on Sunday July 14, at First Baptist Church of Mebane, 301 S. 3rd St., Mebane, NC 27302 with a reception to follow.

A private graveside will be held at Mount Zion Christian Church, Mebane, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

First Baptist Church of Mebane, NC or

Family Promise of Wilmington, NC