Elta Mae Wilkinson

Elta Mae Wilkinson, 86, of Florence, SC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

A native of Auburn, Nebraska, Elta Mae was the wife of 53 years to the late Reverend John D. Wilkinson and the daughter of Arthur F. Michel and Luveda Stoltenberg Michel, both deceased. Elta Mae was a graduate of Auburn High School, Auburn, NE. During her working years she was a secretary to various attorneys. After retiring, Elta Mae was the secretary of Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church where she was also the handbell director, sang in the choir and was active in the WMU. She enjoyed sewing, especially making clothes for her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Elta Mae also enjoyed crocheting, beading, making quilts and other crafts.

Survivors include her brother, Mervin Arthur Michel and wife, Nancy of Houston, TX; sister, Marilyn Foster of Glenwood, MN; her daughters, Kathryn McCormick and husband, Lonnie of Nichols, SC, Lori Wilkinson and companion, David Kinsey of Stuart, FL; three grandchildren, Jennifer Bass of Conway, SC, Kimi Pelt and husband, John of Florence, SC, and Jacob Clemmer of Lexington, NC; four great grandchildren, Adrianna Wilkinson of Abeline, KS, Sean Rogers and wife, Harely of Florence, SC, Matthew Rogers of Columbia, SC, and Zac Pelt of Florence, SC; sister-in-law, Diane Dixon and husband, Jerry of Maxton, NC; several nieces, nephews and extended family members; and many special friends and prayer partners.

Funeral services celebrating Elta Mae’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church, Tyner, NC with Pastor David Roberts and Pastor Josh Engen officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends with a reception in the Family Life Center immediately following the interment.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the Wilkinson family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com