Dorothy Wilkerson

Dorothy "Mama Dot" Wilkerson, 81, of Angier, NC went to be with the Lord on Wednesday June 17, 2026.

Born on May 17, 1945, in Fuquay, Dot was the eldest of three children born to Calvin and Kathleen Self. Following the unexpected loss of her mother in 1957, Dot and her siblings were sent to Oxford Orphanage. While she spoke fondly of her time there, the experience instilled in her a fierce, lifelong commitment to protecting and nurturing her family.

Dot met Wiley Wilkerson on a blind date at 17, married at 18, and welcomed the first of her three children at 19. They settled in Angier, where they remained for the rest of her life. A tireless worker, Dot supported her family in every way possible, but she always prioritized her rule that the family sit down together for dinner every weeknight.

An excellent cook, Dot held various roles in the food service industry before opening "Mama Dot's Daycare," which she operated for nearly 20 years. She cared deeply for the children she watched, often keeping in touch long after they left her care. She especially delighted in seeing everyone return to her home for "trick or treat" each Halloween. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, she would also busy herself preparing her legendary casseroles, vegetables, and meats, which were always the highlight of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Following her battle with lung cancer, Mama Dot chose to continue serving our community through her work with Meals on Wheels. For approximately three years, she prepared delivery bags for our volunteers and brought immense joy to everyone she encountered at Angier Baptist Church each morning. She was grateful to serve and have a positive impact on the families in need within our community.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Troy Wilkerson, Rhonda Wilkins (Chris), and Travis Wilkerson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ashley Johnson, Rileigh Brooks (James), Jessie Godwin (DJ), and Duncan Wilkerson, great grandson, Ryder Godwin, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Wiley Wilkerson; her infant son, Shawn Wilkerson; her grandson, Zachary Wilkerson; and her siblings, Watson Self and Margaret Self.
Dot was blessed to be part of a large, close-knit family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier (300 E. McIver Street, Angier, NC 27501). The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with burial to take place afterward at Lakeside Memorial Gardens.