EURE – Paulette Felton Wester, 68, of 106 White Oak Road, died Friday, June 17, 2011 in her home.

Mrs. Wester was born in Gates County and was the daughter of the late Dalton B. and Virginia Howell Felton.

Employed with the Gates County School System for 21 years, she first worked as a secretary and later in the central office finance department.

Mrs. Wester served as Field Representative, covering nine counties, for both former United States Representatives Eva Clayton and Frank Ballance, and continued in service with our current Congressman, Rep. G.K. Butterfield.  Active in politics, she served as both Hall Precinct Chairman and as Chairman of the Gates County Democratic Executive Committee.

Later, going back to her roots of service to the children of Gates County, she was elected to serve on the Gates County Board of Education.  Among other areas of involvement, she had served on the Board of Directors of the Gates County Rural Health Services, was a published author of the book, “A Journey in Time”, wrote a weekly article with the same title for The Gates County Index, had received the 1998 Historian of the Year-East from the NC Society of Historians, and most recently in April received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue.

Surviving are her husband of 51 years, John G. Wester Sr.; her son, John G. Wester Jr. and wife, Pam; her grandson, Jonathan A. Wester; and her brother, Michael C. Felton and wife, Patricia, all of Eure.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2011 in Eure Baptist Church by Dr. Wayne Proctor and the Rev. Wayne Gardner.  Burial will follow in the family plot at Eure Christian Church with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, handling arrangements.  Friends may join the family at the residence.

Flowers are welcomed or contributions may be made to Albemarle Hospice, P.O. Box 189, Elizabeth City, NC  27909.  The family wishes to express their appreciation to the fine folks at Hospice and also to her private duty caregiver, Crystal Jenkins, for the wonderful care given to their loved one over the past several weeks.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.