Bessie Cox Blackmon

Goldsboro – Mrs. Bessie Cox Blackmon, 92, went to meet her Lord on Thursday. She died peacefully at the Brian Center after a valiant struggle with strokes.

A native of Wayne County, she was the daughter of the late Ira Rufus Cox and Catherine Johnson Cox and was the widow of Gardner Wilkins and Cleon Blackmon. A graduate of Grantham High School in 1929, she had worked as a seamstress for many years. Mrs. Blackmon had taught the six year olds in Sunday school for many years as a member of Adamsville Baptist Church. She also enjoyed singing and was a member of the Joy Choir until her declining health. Mrs. Blackmon leaves to cherish her memory many friends and family who loved her dearly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at Adamsville Baptist Church with Rev. Pat Kilby officiating. Interment will be Sunday at 3 p.m. at Falling Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Blackmon is survived by her son, William Kenneth “Bill” Wilkins and wife, Carolyn of Texarkana, TX; her daughters, Mattie Wilkins Gooding and husband Carlton of Pikeville and Judith Wilkins Jones and husband Jack of Dudley; her sisters, Ruby Blackmon of Goldsboro, Mary Reece of Clyde, Sarah Connor of Goldsboro and Gladys McCullen of Grantham; a brother, Ira Cox and wife Recca of Raleigh; a sister-in-law, Rachel Cox of Grantham; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grand-children; two great-great-grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sons, James Paul Wilkins and Charles Ray Wilkins; a sister, Laura Cox and five brothers, Walter Cox, Leslie Cox, Albert Cox, William R. Cox and Charlie Cox.

Although flowers are welcome, memorials may be made to Adamsville Baptist Church, 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534.

The family will greet friends Saturday following the service in the fellowship hall of Adamsville Baptist Church and other times at the home of her sister, Sarah Connor, 100 Woodbine Street, Goldsboro.