Jonathan "Jon" Fitzgerald Wilkins, age 46 of 212 Howard Street, Morganton, North Carolina departed this life into his heavenly home on Sunday October 16, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.  A native of Rutherford County, he was born January 11, 1976 to MaryAnn Hull Wilkins a native of Caroleen, North Carolina and James Henry Wilkins a native of Cherokee, South Carolina.

Jonathan led a meaningful and full life; he received his education in the Rutherford County school system after graduating from high school he worked at the Rutherford County Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Forest City, North Carolina in 2003. Then he transitioned to the love and care of the Leary Family in 2003 at the request of his loving mother MaryAnn Hull Wilkins.  Jonathan thrived and grew as he was surrounded by love from both of his families.  He joined the Mission AME Church in Morganton and was an active member, participating in Bible study and Sunday services.  He also took classes at Western Piedmont Community College and volunteered for the local homeless community by handing out food to those in need.  Jonathan also worked at Burke United Christian Ministry by giving to those in need of kindness and love.

Jonathan was well known and loved throughout the Morganton community where he illuminated such a great presence to others with his honesty, smile, and that voice of an angel.  After taking one look at those sincere eyes of his, he stole your love and your heart.  Jonathan loved his family, food, video games, and money.  He truly never met a stranger that he didn't know.  If so, the first thing Jonathan would ask, "Is that my cousin?"  And before the person could answer he would say, "Yeah, that's my cousin!"  His heart was opened to everyone with no questions asked.

Jonathan is preceded in death by his loving parents MaryAnn Hull Wilkins and James Henry Wilkins and his brother Joey Wilkins.

Jonathan is survived by his family, Three sisters: Gloria Wilkins and Amie Wilkins of Forest City, NC; Sandra Wilkins of Jamestown, NC; two brothers Johnny Wilkins (Donna) of Boiling Springs, NC and Jason Wilkins of Asheville, NC; Cheryl Leary, Gilbert Leary, and Tyra Bristol of Morganton, NC; Brian Bristol (Anya) of Columbus, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, grandchildren, cousins, and other relatives.

A homegoing celebration honoring the life of Mr. Jonathan Wilkins will be held Saturday October 22, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. in the Corpening Memorial Chapel of McCain Funeral Home & Cremations, LLC; interment will follow at the New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Forest City, NC.  The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service.

The service will also be livestreamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page; the link is found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/