Winnie Wiggs

Winnie Odom Wiggs, 82, of Blounts Creek, died Friday, March 14, 2025.

A graveside service will be Friday, March 21, 11:00 AM, at Elmwood Cemetery, Fremont.

Winnie Lee Odom was born on June 30, 1942 to Winborne and Willie Mae Johnson Odom of Ahoskie, North Carolina. Following the death of her parents, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Mary and KD Worrell of Williamston. After graduation from Williamston High School, Winnie attended East Carolina University where she studied to become a school teacher, a position she held for 20 years, almost entirely with Johnston County Schools. While attending ECU, she met John Russell Wiggs, Jr. of Fremont, and they were married on March 22, 1963. John and Winnie were married for 58 years until John’s death in April 2021.

John and Winnie lived in Fremont for most of their married lives but moved full-time to their home on Blounts Creek in 2007. As long as their health allowed, you would find the two out on their boat fishing, refilling their backyard bird feeders, enjoying the sunset from their porch, and, at night, checking their trail cameras for the most recent bear activity. They frequently invited their colorful group of friends (who brought all their colorful friends!) for fish fries at their home, where Winnie prepared the most incredible hushpuppies you could ever imagine.

They also adored their four-legged companions, and many have noted that they would like to return as a Wiggs dog someday! John and Winnie had many dogs throughout their 58 years and seemed to never run out of stories about each of them. Even through declining health, Winnie cared for her latest canine companion, Nellie, until just the most recent number of weeks.

Throughout her 82 years, Winnie cherished many friends, but a few stand out. Lela Chesson and Martha Lewis were lifelong partners in crime, Sylvia Blango was a trusted caregiver, and Summer Wood was always available for any adventure. In her final years, Winnie called Croatan Village in New Bern home and made many friends, including her next-door neighbor, Linda Matthews, who always kept her busy. Though John and Winnie had no children, they poured into the Robbins family as their own for thirty years. Over spring breaks, summer vacations, and Christmases, John and Winnie taught us how to fish Blounts Creek, cook the perfect cobbler, and create precious moments with those around you.

Winnie is survived by her sister-in-law, Kaye Wiggs; nephews, Bill Wiggs, Jr and Todd Wiggs (Kellie); and cousin, Jenny Morris.

In lieu of flowers, Winnie would have preferred any donation to a local animal shelter or pet rescue facility.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com