Sarah Eleanor Covington Wikle

Sarah Eleanor Covington Wikle, joined her savior on January 2, 2026. Sarah was born March 20, 1926 to Mamie Lee Henley Covington and James Hampton Covington in Wadesboro, Anson County, NC. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Lou and Esther (Esh), and her husband Waymoth Jack Wikle.

Sarah was born into the First Baptist Church, Wadesboro, NC and was active in the original Calvary Baptist on Buxton Street, Forest Hill Baptist and a founding member of United Baptist Church, all in Winston-Salem.

A 1947 graduate of NC Baptist school of Nursing, Sarah served as a nurse in the original Department of Clinics, now Advocate Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for 44 years. She was well-known and respected for her care of patients and colleagues, her take charge attitude, her medical expertise, and her willingness to share her knowledge, time, and care with all who needed it.

She married Jack Wikle on February 29, 1948. During their 33-year marriage they had three children, James Richard Wikle (Lynette), Martha Lou Wikle Stearns, and Margaret Ann Wikle Deeds. Throughout her life, she was guided by her deep faith, following the ‘red words’ of Christ, to live a humble life of service. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She hosted her grandchildren for “Camp Mimi” for many summers and cared for each one deeply.

At the age of 70 she chose to move to Brookridge CCRC and remained in independent living until 2021. During her time in independent living, she traveled visiting her children, grandchildren and friends, and for many years and continued to serve her neighbors by providing transportation and care for other residents.

Her children, her 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren are left to cherish her memory and honor her life of service and care through their own lives of service and faith.

Many thanks and appreciation to the care provided by the Thrivemore Brookridge staff during the last 3 years and to Ms. Cindy Sizemore and all the Trellis caregivers.

Mother would wish for any memorial to be made to the United Baptist Church, 5815 Murray Rd Winston-Salem, NC 27106 or Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation, P.O. Box Winston-Salem, NC 27116 or Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem.

A grave side service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, January 9, 2026 at Woodland Cemetery, 3123 Indiana Avenue, Winston-Salem, with Rev. Will Watson presiding.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family. 

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.