ENGAGEMENT

Tabatha Christeena Earls and Joel Bruce Wilkins Jr. Tabatha Christeena Earls and Joel Bruce Wilkins Jr., both of Blacksburg, announce their engagement.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Jeannie Davis and Jessie "Verdell" Earls, both of Blacksburg. She is the maternal granddaughter of Peggy Vess Wheat of Blacksburg and Harold W. Davis of Gaffney and paternal granddaughter of Shirley Earls of Blacksburg and the late Jessie "Dick" Earls. Her maternal greatgrandmother is Estelle Davis of Gaffney. A 2000 graduate of Blacksburg High School, she expects to graduate in May from Cherokee Technology Center School of Nursing and is employed by Peachtree Centre.

The prospective groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel "Bruce" Wilkins Sr of Blacksburg. He is the maternal grandson of Delores Montgomery of York and the late J.R. Montgomery. His paternal grandparents are George Wilkins Sr. of Blacksburg and the late Sallie Turner Wilkins. A 2000 graduate of Blacksburg High School, he received an associate's degree in art in 2002 from Spartanburg Methodist College and graduated in 2004 from Clemson University with a degree in agricultural mechanization. He is employed by Bobcat of Spartanburg.

The couple will be married on Sept. 27.