Gillikin, 78 WILMINGTON, N.C. - Wanda Lee Laird Gillikin, 78, of Wilmington, N.C. died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, at Autumn Care. She was born August 8, 1935, in Cristfield, Md., to the late John Laird and Madeline Ward Laird. A loving mother and lady with a quick wit and great sense of humor, Wanda was a social butterfly who loved friends and family. She was a wonderful dancer, businesswoman, and most of all loving wife and true best friend to her husband Jim. She enjoyed a lifetime of being a "Coast Guard wife" and later the most fun "Mom Mom" ever to her granddaughters. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Claude Bland "Jim" Gillikin, Jr.; oldest son, James Bland Gillikin and his wife Saralyn Corbett Gillikin of Wilmington, N.C.; daughter, Laura Lee Gillikin Poe and husband Cary Poe of Cornelius, N.C. and youngest son, John Bradley "Brad" Gillikin of Wilmington, N.C.; three cherished and loved granddaughters, Leah Elizabeth Gillikin, Abigail Lee Poe and Caroline Louise Poe. In addition, Mrs. Gillikin is survived by two nephews, who she thought of and loved like her own sons, Larry and Lloyd Laird of Salisbury, Md. The family received visitors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Andrews Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28401. Those wishing to honor Wanda's memory are welcome to send flowers or make donations to Pine Valley United Methodist Church or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401. The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Care, special friend and hospice volunteer, Shirley Farrington and family friend, Joe Hurst for the kindness and care given to Wanda and her family. The family received friends at the Gillikin home immediately after the graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com