COLERAIN – Hazel Montague Sessoms Fowler, 82, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday night, December 7, 2010.

She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-seven years, William, of Colerain; her son, William Jr. and wife, Shelley, of Greenville; daughter, Carla Gibbons and her husband, Bruce, of Apex, N.C.; grandchildren Emily Fowler and Claire Fowler of Greenville, Bryan Gibbons and Rachel Gibbons of Apex; and first cousin Merle Montague of Windsor.

The daughter of Carl Burt Sessoms and Hazel Montague Sessoms of Colerain, Mrs. Fowler was born in Norfolk, VA, August 15, 1928. She attended Colerain High School where she was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1945. She was presented to N. C. Society at the 1947 Debutante Ball.

A graduate of Woman’s College in Greensboro (UNC – G) with a B.A. in primary education in 1949, she taught second grade at Myrtle Underwood Elementary for two years in Raleigh, N.C. She also taught two years in Harrellsville, N.C.

Mrs. Fowler was devoted to her husband and family and active in Colerain United Methodist Church and in her community. An organist for sixty-two years and soprano soloist at the church and throughout the community, Mrs. Fowler enjoyed sharing her gift of music. She was a Sunday school teacher for the adult class, past president of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (United Methodist Women) at her church, Director of Colerain Beach, Inc., and past president of the local Women’s Club. Mrs. Fowler was the operator of the family farm in Colerain.

Visitation is at the Garrett-Jones Funeral Home, 205 NC Hwy 42 W, Ahoskie, NC on Friday, December 10, 2010 from 7-8:30 p.m. and other times at the home.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Colerain United Methodist Church, 209 W. Academy Street. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Colerain.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Colerain United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 295 Colerain, NC 27924, Colerain Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 397, Colerain, NC 27924, or Colerain Fire Department, P.O. Box 247, Colerain, NC 27924.

Friends and family may send online condolences to www.garrettjonesfh.com.

Garrett-Jones Funeral Home is serving the Fowler family.