Eva J. Wilkes

Eva J. Wilkes affectionally known as “Lil Ma” the daughter of the late John and Florence Tripp Gorham was born April 22, 1920, in Pitt County.  God gently closed her eyes on August 17, 2022, for a peaceful transition to be with our heavenly father, she lived to be 102 years old!

Ms. Eva joined Rock Springs FWB Church at an early age, she was a devoted member and was a part of hospitality, and later she became a member of the Senior choir. 

Ms. Eva touched so many lives with her kindness and quick wit, she was no nonsense and would let you know EXACTLY how she felt, no exceptions.  She was a factory worker and a domestic engineer.  She was an honorary member of the Moyewood Senior Citizens Club.  She was well known for her cakes and quiche.  She was a fashionista and shopped at Marie’s dress shop…she loved hats. She was a participant of the Pitt County Senior Games and at the tender age of 50 she learned to drive!  For her 100th birthday she had a birthday parade, with the Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Police and a trail of over 50 cars blowing horns and dropping off gifts to honor her, she was even featured in the Daily Reflector and had a spot on WITN news!

She was preceded in death by her parents, six sisters, four brothers, two daughters, Betty Harrell & Carrie Brandon, and grandson Darryl Parker.

She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Dorothy Wilkes of Greenville, NC; grandsons Jeremy Wilkes, Atlanta, GA; Justin Wilkes, Greenville, NC; great grandchildren Nyquan Wilkes, Janiya Arrington, Greenville, NC, London Wilkes, Raleigh, NC; nieces Mary Virginia Williams & Johnnie Mae Gorham, Greenville, NC; Valerie Boothe, Newport News, VA; nephews Robert & Charles Staton Greenville, NC;  James Douglas Gorham, Washington, DC; Bobby Earl Gorham (Charlotte), Greenville, NC; great nieces Gwennetta Teel, Queens, NY, Toni Staton, Greenville, NC; Angie Staton, Richmond, VA; great nephew Bobby Cortez Gorham (Kim), Durham, NC; Quintrial Staton, Greenville, NC; great nieces Angela Wooten, Greenville, NC;  Kimberly Bolt (Larry), Greenbelt, MD; great-great nieces & nephews  Tahesa Teel, Queens, NY; Bobby Jerrell Lewis, Greensboro, NC; Kebori Gorham, Charlotte, NC; Jayden DeShawn Bolt, Greenbelt, MD.  Lest we not forget “Lil Ma’s” best friend Ms. Minerva Spicer.

Very Special Thanks for her Caregivers:  Mo, Unique, Alesha & Felicia!

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