The Remarkable Journey of Pesula Verdair Wingate Faulkner

Pesula Verdair Wingate Faulkner, 74 of Charlotte, departed this life on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Atrium Health-Mercy.

On December 30, 1947, Pesula Verdair became the second child born into the family of Matthew Earl and Laura Ann Bryant Wingate in Fort Barnwell (Craven County), North Carolina.  She was preceded in death by both parents and her only sibling, Lutricia Darnell Wingate Boulware.

The Wingate family was at first a military family until Mr. Wingate attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro while Mrs. Wingate took on the task of raising her two daughters.  In 1950, the Wingate family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pesula Verdair attended Lincoln Heights and University Park Elementary Schools, Northwest Junior High School, and West Charlotte Senior High School.  During her early years, she met four individuals who would become friends for life: Gale Morgan, Barbara Clair Pettiford, Rufus Erwin and Jo Ann Springs.  Known as Verdair or "Buzz" at West Charlotte High School, she served on several organizations including the National Honor Society.  She also served as president of her homeroom class in her junior year.  After graduation from West Charlotte High School in 1965, she attended North Carolina A&T State University where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Sociology in 1969.  She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, where in 1971, she earned a Master of Science Degree in Social Work.

Immediately after earning her Social Work degree, Pesula Verdair began her professional career as a caseworker in Hickory, NC at the Department of Social Services, where she was a supervisor.  She also worked in Kinston, NC at the Caswell Development Center.  Later she moved to Charlotte, NC and was hired as a supervisor of the Child Protective Services Unit for Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. Pesula Verdair completed her tenure with Mecklenburg County on January 30, 2003, after 30 years of service.

On September 3, 1977, Pesula married Keith Ward Faulkner at Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church.  On November 9, 1980, they became the proud parents of Kerrick Wingate Faulkner.  Four years after the birth of their son, a trip to Freedom Park and meeting of a new playmate for Kerrick led to a lifetime friendship between the Minter-Ackers and the Faulkners.  When Pesula Verdair became a friend, she was a friend for life.

The Wingate family enjoyed a long-lasting relationship with Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church since the 1950s.  She loved her church and welcomed the opportunity to serve as Elder beginning December 13, 2009.  She also served as moderator of the Finance Committee, as a member on the Nominating Committee and as a member of the Abigail Circle.  She regularly attended church services and functions until her health declined.  Pesula was a member there for 65 years.  Her favorite songs were "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" and "Soon And Very Soon."

In 1985, she joined the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.  She was a Golden Life Member.  She was also a member of the North State Retired Employees Association.

Pesula Verdair was an avid football fan who attended every A&T Homecoming football game.  She also spent many days, evenings and weekends watching sports on TV.  Her commitment to friends from her days at West Charlotte led to a monthly lunch meeting from the time she retired until the beginning of the Pandemic in March of 2020.  Her interest in Black History and Culture naturally led to a life of community involvement.  Pesula Verdair was a faithful supporter of the Bryant Family Reunion of Fort Barnwell, NC for more than 50 years.  Her friends remember most of all her love for shopping.

Pesula Verdair's devotion and unconditional love has come to a close.  Her legacy will be a source of inspiration and comfort as her survivors continue their journeys:  her devoted husband of 44 years, Keith Ward Faulkner; her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Kerrick and TaLaya Faulkner; her sister by choice, Gale Morgan of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pesula Verdair is described by friends and colleagues as a compassionate, committed, loving, caring, a deliberate woman who made a difference during her lifetime.