With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Mercedes "Dede" Yepko (Wilmington, North Carolina), whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed us on May 30, 2025 at the age of 89.  She was born February 4, 1936 in Waco, Texas to Rudolph Winckler and Janis Schreiner Winckler.  As the daughter of an Army officer, she traveled with her family throughout the United States, spending her teenage years in Greece and graduating from high school in Fayetteville, NC while stationed in Fort Bragg.  She graduated in 1960 from The University of Virginia's School of Nursing.  After graduation and pursuing her chosen profession, she started her family and career in TN and NJ.  Desiring to return to her southern roots, she moved to Wilmington, NC in early 1990s. In 1991 she met her future husband, Bert, who was the dental provider supporting  the residents at Davis Healthcare, where she worked as a nurse.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and was never too busy to make time to invest in others.  Smart, funny, fiercely loyal, honest, and direct…she also had a smile and a warm heart that could brighten the room wherever she was.  In her younger years, she was an avid golfer and loved the adventure of a road trip.  Spending time with her husband and family was her greatest joy.  Beating her beloved family members at card games may have been a close second.  She loved camping, films, cats, card games, and may have been a top 10 fan of the game show "The Family Feud" which was seldom missed.  A beautiful soul, she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Rudolph Winckler and Janis Schreiner Winckler; and her son George Glover. She is survived by her husband Hubert "Bert" Yepko; her children, Christopher Glover, Amy Glover, Jason Yepko (Hayley), Mark Yepko, and Stephen Gray (Cindy); her grandchildren, Erin Bostic (Kristoffer), William Glover, Lillian Glover, Emily Langhorn (Taylor), Travis Milde, Bailey Milde, Noah Yepko, Adeline Yepko, Kevin Gray and Kathryne Gray (Mike Trevathan); her great grandchildren, Jocelyn, Theodore, Matteu and Emilia; her sister Amy Ross (Raymond); and her nephews, Scott Ross and Eric Ross.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 pm at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Burgaw, NC at 506 South McNeil Street, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.