Mary Elizabeth Wicker

Mary Elizabeth Cole Wicker

1938 – 2026

Granite Falls – Mary Elizabeth Cole Wicker, age 88, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her daughters and family, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at her home. She was born in Alberton, Maryland, on March 28, 1938, to the late Theophilus Cole and Mabel Peffer Mathis. She was married to the late Johnnie Floyd Wicker for more than 58 years.

Mary loved her church, Friendship Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended for over 40 years and was an active member of the church choir, singing on Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as with the XYZ Choir. She loved to sing, had the most beautiful voice, and especially enjoyed singing solos. She had a strong faith in the Lord and found great joy in worship and fellowship with her church family. Mary also had a heart for serving others, fostering children for several years, and volunteering with hospice for over 10 years. She and her husband, Johnnie, enjoyed spending time together, traveling, and making memories with family and friends. She enjoyed painting and drawing and was known for her beautiful artwork. She was also an avid baker, especially known for her crème horns and desserts, which were loved by all who knew her. She loved playing bingo every Thursday and Friday and looked forward to spending time with friends. She was a devoted North Carolina Tar Heels and Atlanta Braves fan and enjoyed watching games and cheering on her teams. Mary was most proud of her family, spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending time together whenever she could. She never met a stranger and lived her life serving her Lord and loving others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Floyd Wicker; their beloved dog, Tweeder; and her siblings, Lillie Penfield, Charles Penfield, Monnie Day, Andrew Cole, and Anne Neckopulos.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Glynis and David Perry; Tina and Auldin Robinson; Angel and Michael Johnson; JonLara and Roy McDavid; grandchildren, Jessica Hayes and husband, Aaron; Kristy Weber and husband, Nick; Jarred Perry and wife, Bethany; Shelly Hildebrand and husband, Steve; Jordan Rucker and husband, Josh; Kaleb Phillips and wife, Alyssa; great-grandchildren, Brantley Hayes, Bella Hayes, Braycen Hayes; Avery Weber, Aryanna Weber, Clara Vasquez and husband, Cesar; Addison Perry, Ainsley Perry; Hayden Hildebrand, Bryce Hildebrand, Nicholas Hildebrand and Fiancé, Kaitlyn; Jonas Rucker, Julian Rucker; Aubree Phillips, Luke Phillips, Jacob Phillips; great-great-grandchildren, Mercedez Vasquez, Jayce Hildebrand, Sophia Hildebrand; her special friends, Francis Power, Nelda Coffey, Pearl Setzer, Penny McGhinnis and Mary Joplin; numerous other relatives; and honorary family members, Derek Phillips and his children, Cody Phillips, Isaiah Phillips, and Breanna Phillips; Kelly and Jonathan Howard and their grandson, Jayden Ritchie, for their loving care and support.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Friendship Baptist Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00 with Pastor Lonnie Bell and Pastor John Barnhardt officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Amorem Hospice, in honor of her years of service and compassion for others.