Raleigh, N.C. (June 7, 2007) —The life and work of prolific writer, speaker, educator, environmentalist and civic leader, Wilma Dykeman, will be celebrated Wednesday, June 13 at 4 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. Dykeman passed away last December at the age of 86.

The celebration will include video, music, a eulogy and reminiscences by regional authors, friends and family. Doug Orr, the president emeritus of Warren Wilson College, will host the memorial service, which is free and open to the public.

Features of the program include a 20-minute video spanning the life of Dykeman—whose voice narrates the film—with photographs and music by David Holt; a eulogy read by Dan Matthews, former Rector of Trinity Parish in New York City; short reminiscences by regional authors Fred Chappell, John Ehle, Sharyn McCrumb, and Robert Morgan; musical interludes by local musician, Laura Boosinger; and a closing segment by Diane Tuttle, a close friend of Dykeman. Dykeman’s books will also be on sale in the lobby, a portion of sales benefiting the Diana Wortham Theatre.

Dykeman wrote 18 works of fiction and non-fiction, gave hundreds of inspirational speeches, held the office of Tennessee State Historian for 22 years, taught and served as a trustee at multiple colleges, worked tirelessly for respect and realism in the public perception of the southern Appalachian mountain community, and was a pioneer in bringing national attention to civil rights, women’s issues, and environmental imperatives throughout her career as an author, speaker, educator and environmentalist.

She was married to James Stokely for 36 years and raised two sons. She grew up in Lynn Cove at the head of Beaverdam Creek, just north of Asheville.

For more information about Wilma Dykeman, A Celebration, call the Diana Wortham Theatre Box Office at (828) 257-4530. The Diana Worhtam Theatre is located at Pack Place in Downtown Asheville.