Tina Wilkerson Kinlaw, born on October 13, 1955, in Lumberton, NC, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 70.

Tina was a hairdresser in Lumberton, so it seemed like everybody knew Tina, and that Tina knew everyone. And the thing with Tina is that you didn't need long to get to know her. It didn't matter if you spent a lot of time with her, or just a few hours, you knew exactly who she was. Tina was someone who did not hesitate to live, and she wouldn't let you hesitate either. She was, as she would say, "wide-open and having a large time." Tina had such a great perspective on life, easily accepting the good and the bad with such grace and toughness. People who knew her and her life story would all pretty much say the same thing – Tina was a remarkable human being. And really, there's no shortage of adjectives you could use there – amazing, inspiring, generous, resilient, caring, funny, adventurous, and yes, wide-open. She was also the toughest person any of us knew.

Tina was incredibly giving. She took care of so many people, usually at the expense of herself, never asking for anything, and actually making it hard for you to return the favor. Tina had this ability to connect with people, to make them feel valued and taken care of. She supported so many through hard times, showing courage and providing comfort when others shied away. Her empathy and natural affinity for helping people were unmistakable; she worried about others more than herself, and by doing so radiated love to everyone around her.

And on top of all that, Tina was just so much fun. There are a lot of ways someone can be the life of the party, but it's the rare individual who can brighten a moment with joy, compassion, laughter, and humility the way Tina could. There are countless hilarious and unique memories that we have of Tina, and so many more have come pouring in to us since she passed. It is amazing how many lives she touched and how many meaningful memories she created with her presence - because if Tina was there, you knew for sure that you were having a large time.

Tina was deeply devoted to her family. She was happily married to her beloved husband, Wade Kinlaw, and together, they raised two wonderful children: Tonya, who has a radiant smile just like her mama and is married to her husband John; and Wade, who carries his mom's kind heart and is married to his wife Hana. In her granddaughters, Prairie and Lylah, Tina's legacy of love and laughter will undoubtedly shine on.

Tina is survived by her sister Lynn, and preceded in death by her parents, Rupert and Margaret, and siblings Dawn and Al. Tina is now resting in peace with them.

A service honoring Tina will be held on July 18, 2026 at 1:00PM in Lumberton at Floyd's Mortuary located at 809 E 5th St, Lumberton, NC 28358.  A time of visitation will start at 12:00PM where family and friends will gather to celebrate her remarkable life.