mentor to her colleagues for the development of teaching methods using collaborative learning and critical thinking
skills. In her last semesters here as she battled cancer and endured the radiation and chemotherapy, she rarely
missed a class. She was determined to continue teaching, and I think she worked even harder than ever to be sure
her students were well served. Becky was someone you could count on, as a colleague and as a friend. She enriched
my life personally and our professional lives here at WCC in many ways.”
WCC’s dean of development, “B” Townes, stated about Mann, “Becky, Pete and I began teaching at Wilkes Commu
nity College together. She was a devoted mother and she and Pete always brought their children to activities and
events at the college. I was privileged to serve with her in the early days on an informal committee that conceptual
ized at meetings here at the college the idea for a footpath along the Yadkin River. In more recent years, Becky has
kept the spirit alive and the Yadkin River Greenway Council is a vibrant organization because of her involvement and
leadership.”
Petro Kulynych of Wilkesboro remembered Becky Mann as having an even temperament and as a friend. He en
gaged Becky as the “ghost writer” for his personal autobiography that he is writing for his family. “It was hard for me
to accept that she would no longer be working with me on this project,” stated Kulynych. “I have lost a dear friend in
Becky Mann.”
In addition to her work in education, Mann was also a successful author. Her book. Walking Raleigh/Durham, was
published in 2001 by the Glove Pequot Press. She worked on this project for about two years, drawing all of the maps
herself, as well as taking most of the photographs. Mann co-authored Essay Writing: Methods and Models, a
freshman compositon text.
Mann was active in her professional field and as a community leader. She served as chair of the North Carolina De
partment of Community College’s Conference of English Instructors, a member of the National Council of Teachers of
English, a member of the Southeastern Conference on English in the Two-Year College, a member of the North Caro
lina Writers Network, and a member of the American Association of University Women. She served as a member of
the Wilkes Public Library Book Club, a member of the Independent Reading Association, a member of the board for
Friends of the Library, and a member of the Wilkes County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. She was
a co-founder and served on the Council Board of Directors for the Yadkin River Greenway and as public relations
committee chair. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where she served as clerk of the vestry and as a
member of the choir.
Becky Mann’s Dream Lives on in Wilkes County
By “B” Townes
Friends of Becky Mann at Wilkes Community College and throughout the community were saddened by her death on
March 18 at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. She fought a valiant battle against the cancer that
eventually claimed her life. She enjoyed her family and friends, teaching, and living in Wilkesboro until the last mo
ments of her life. Becky will be sorely missed by those whose lives she touched.
Becky Mann had a vision that one day she could walk from W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir through the Wilkes-
boros to Smoot Park, traveling along the Yadkin River. She sought the opportunity to walk in the footprints of our fore
fathers along the river’s edge, away from the hustle and bustle of the vehicular traffic that we have become accus
tomed to for transportation. She dreamed of being able to take a spur trail from the Yadkin River Greenway to Wilkes
Community College, where she spent most of her career as a lifelong educator. She was delighted to see recent de
velopments in construction of the spur trail up the Reddie’s River, and she looked forward to being able to cross the
Yadkin River on a footbridge. She often daydreamed about leading groups, including school children, to experience
and appreciate the beauty of nature along the river. She delighted in knowing that people would have the opportunity
to see a great blue heron in its element. Becky had a goal to see the Yadkin River Greenway completed in her life
time. Although her untimely death made this impossible, we have the opportunity to share Becky’s vision by support
ing the efforts to complete the current and future phases of construction of the trail.
Greenways, by their very nature, promote a healthier lifestyle for everyone. The young and old alike, including infants
in strollers, bikers, hikers, and those who are wheelchair bound and otherwise handicapped, will find the trail easily
accessible. Links and trailheads at the Wellness Center, River’s Edge Park (soccer and ball field complex), Smoot
Park, the YMCA, and W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir will further promote health and wellness for citizens and visi
tors.
Becky’s family has requested that gifts and memorials be made to the Yadkin River Greenway Council, Inc., PO Box
191, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.