A Family United by Purpose: The Journey of Stephanie and the Wilkerson Family
{Contributed Photos: Wilkerson Family}
In the heart of North Carolina, one family’s unwavering faith and commitment to service has helped shape a young woman’s extraordinary journey — from being non-verbal as a child to becoming a powerful voice for inclusion, hope, and community. Robert and Lori Wilkerson have walked every step of the way with their daughter, Stephanie, as she continues to grow into a leader, advocate, and shining light across the state.
Stephanie is a proud athlete representing both Davidson and Forsyth counties through Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC). She has been honored with several distinguished roles: SONC Global Messenger, North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run Athlete Ambassador, Victory Junction Camp Ambassador, and Civitan Region 3 Special Olympics Coordinator. Her impact has reached across the state, but her journey began with a quiet strength and a faith-driven heart.
Born non-verbal, Stephanie once struggled with basic communication — now she addresses large audiences, tells her story with confidence, and inspires over 53,000 SONC athletes by fundraising and advocating for inclusion. Her transformation is a testimony to her hard work, her family’s support, and the anointing of the Lord. Stephanie is a dedicated member of Mt. Pleasant Church in Thomasville, where her faith continues to be the foundation of her life and leadership. “We believe God has called Stephanie to this purpose,” says her mother, Lori. “Every door that has opened is part of His plan for her life, and we are simply grateful to walk with her.”
Stephanie’s resilience was tested again when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in 2006. But even then, she turned her challenge into purpose. With the support of her family, she became involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and formed her walk team, Stephanie’s Stampede. Through this platform, she raises awareness and funds to support T1D research, showing others that challenges are just stepping stones to greater impact.
Stephanie’s athletic journey is marked not just by her determination but by the incredible team surrounding her. She is currently training in powerlifting, coached by Sergeant K. Forrest of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office. Assisting in her training are dedicated officers from the Thomasville Police Department, including K-9 MPO Vogler, MPO Alcon, Lieutenant Leonard, and Detective Jones. Stephanie is honored to be fully supported by Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons and Thomasville Police Chief Dustin Carter, whose encouragement means the world to her and her family.
In 2018, during her term as President of the Davidson County Civitan Club, Stephanie launched a meaningful service project collecting pop top tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). What began as a simple act of kindness soon grew into a regional effort. Stephanie asked club members to collect tabs, and the effort quickly spread — today it is a full Civitan Region 3 initiative, embraced by schools, churches, law enforcement agencies, and community members across North Carolina. Stephanie personally collects and delivers the tabs to the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem. Her connection to RMHC is deeply personal — they once offered her father a room during a critical time when the family was in need. That memory left a lifelong impression on Stephanie. “I just want families to feel that same love and support when they need it most,” she says.
Much of Stephanie’s involvement in law enforcement fundraising can be credited to two key mentors: Corporal J. Parks and Lieutenant J. Todd. Their belief in Stephanie’s potential and their nomination of her to join the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run (NC LETR) opened doors to opportunities that changed her life. Through their guidance, Stephanie found her footing in a world where law enforcement and community advocates come together in support of Special Olympics athletes.
Her voice has now reached some of the most influential stages in North Carolina. Stephanie has spoken at the State Capitol in front of former Governor Roy Cooper, was invited to speak at the retirement ceremony of former Winston-Salem Police Chief C. Thompson, and was later selected as one of only four featured speakers at U.S. Marshal Catrina Thompson’s inauguration — speaking before judges and a packed Guilford County courtroom. Her poise and purpose in those moments reflect a young woman who has found not only her voice, but her calling.
Stephanie has also gained a network of influential contacts across North Carolina and beyond through her attendance at three International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conferences — in Round Rock, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas — which was especially memorable for this true cowgirl at heart.
In 2025, Stephanie was honored with one of the most prestigious awards given by Special Olympics North Carolina — the Billy Quick Athlete Leadership Award. The recognition came as a complete surprise to Stephanie and her family. With a radiant smile and her signature humility, Stephanie said, “Receiving this award was like icing on top of the cake.” The moment affirmed her growth and impact as a true leader among her peers.
In 2022, Victory Junction nominated Stephanie for the Emerging Philanthropist Award, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Piedmont Triad Chapter — and she won. That same spirit of giving fuels her work today. Stephanie continues to support Victory Junction by volunteering her time, thanking donors and sponsors, and handcrafting bead hearts for the Kyle Petty Charity Ride — a task that once challenged her fine motor skills, now completed with pride and purpose.
Closer to home, Stephanie is a trusted friend and supporter of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, volunteering at community events such as Meals on Wheels, Blood Drives, Meet and Greets, and National Night Out. She gives her time generously and shows up for her community with the same enthusiasm and warmth she carries everywhere.
Stephanie also knows how to take initiative. When she wanted to play softball but had no team to join, she recruited a coach herself and helped form the Davidson County Thunderhogs, a softball team that now competes in the SONC Fall Tournament. Her determination to create opportunities not just for herself, but for others, has made her a role model across the state.
Behind Stephanie’s success are two steadfast advocates: her parents, Robert and Lori. Both are deeply involved in volunteer work — from assisting with Torch Run events and Civitan outreach to supporting SONC athletes at countless functions across North Carolina. Their joy is found in watching Stephanie thrive, knowing that their daughter, once silent, now uses her voice to change lives.
The Wilkersons are grounded in their deep Christian faith, believing wholeheartedly that Stephanie’s journey is part of God’s greater plan. Their church family at Mt. Pleasant Church in Thomasville continues to lift Stephanie up in prayer and support. “Her story is a ministry,” Robert says. “She’s helping people believe in something bigger — inclusion, love, purpose, and the power of a voice.”
Stephanie’s message is clear: with love, support, and faith, anything is possible. And through her work, she’s not just speaking — she’s reaching hearts across North Carolina.
Get Involved: Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
You can support athletes like Stephanie and make a difference in your community by volunteering at these upcoming events:
Truck Convoy for Special Olympics – August 16
Run to Victory 5K – September 13
Tryon International Equestrian Tournament – September 19–21
Over-the-Edge Raleigh – September 27
(Robert Wilkerson will rappel for the 5th time in honor of the athletes!)Golf Tournament at Lexington Country Club – October 4
Pickleball Tournament – October 9–11
Special Olympics North Carolina Fall Tournament – November 13–15
Volunteers are the heartbeat of these events — and your support ensures that athletes across North Carolina continue to shine.
