Obituary of Katherine Thompson Wilkerson Cheek

   Katherine (Kat) Thompson Wilkerson Cheek, 87, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2024 with her family at her home.  Born January 29, 1937 in Orange County to the late Tom and Becky Thompson, she lived most of her life in Hillsborough.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Cheek of Chapel Hill, her son, Rocky Wilkerson, stepson Kenneth (Joe) Campbell, Jr., and her siblings, Dickey, Fred, Charles, Betty Sue, and Kenneth.

   Kat is survived by her son Paul (Lisa), daughter-in-law Cathy and stepchildren Pam (Lee), Tony (Cindy), and Janice.  She also has 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

   One of Kat’s favorite things to do was gather family and friends at her house on the river.  There was always plenty of food for family gatherings and reunions, followed by sitting on the porch to watch the river flow and children play.

   Kat retired from the Farm Service Association, then continued working at Central Carolina Bank, New Hope Presbyterian Church, the Durham Bulls, and many, many others.

   Kat remained a member of Mars Hill Baptist Church for most of her life, and also attended Antioch Baptist Church while married to Milton.  She could be found at Mars Hill whenever the doors were open, where she also filled many roles throughout, some of which included choir member, Sunday School Director, various committee chairs, and many more.

   A long-time member of the Schley Grange Hall, one of Kat’s proudest accomplishments was serving as the President from 1983-2019.  She was the recipient of the State of North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine for her service to the community.

   The family will receive friends on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough.  The funeral will be at Mars Hill Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm, followed by a graveside service at the church.

   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mars Hill Baptist Church at 1418 NC-57, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or Schley Grange Hall in care of Bertha Saunders at 3915 NC-57, Hillsborough, NC  27278.

   The family sends their gratitude to everyone who visited and reached out to Kat during her stay at Brookshire.