Betsy Chesson

   Elizabeth Goodwin “Betsy” Chesson, 89, of Edenton, NC, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017, in her home where she was surrounded by her family.

   Mrs. Chesson was born in Chowan County on December 17, 1927, and was the daughter of the late Miles Earl and Elizabeth James Holmes Goodwin. A graduate of Edenton High School, she attended Southern Seminary (now Southern Virginia University) in Buena Vista, Va. A homemaker and matriarch of a large, loving family, she was a faithful member of Edenton Baptist Church and its Adult Choir for many years. Other enjoyments included membership in the Edenton Woman’s Club, playing Bridge, cooking with her friends, and attending and supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities.

   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in August, 2008, by her husband of 60 years, Wesley Merritt Chesson, Jr.; and by her sisters, Ruth Goodwin Warren and Peggy Goodwin Morgan.

   Surviving are her sons, Wesley Merritt Chesson, III and wife Janet of Raleigh, Earl Goodwin Chesson and wife Margaret of Chapel Hill, William Everett Chesson and wife Lynn, and James Holmes Chesson and wife Deanna, all of Edenton; and a brother-in-law, William Herring Warren of Raleigh. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth Chesson Hutchison (whom she raised for the first five years of life following the death of her mother) and husband Don of Scarsdale, NY, Meredith Chesson Wells and husband Hal of Wilmington, Mark Wesley Chesson and wife Sarah Sims of Raleigh, Earl Goodwin “Win” Chesson, Jr. of Palo Alto, CA, Mary Bridget Chesson Barnard and husband Noel of Raleigh, Lauren Elizabeth Chesson Muse and husband Darin of Austin, TX, Merritt Barton Chesson of Durham, Patricia Ann “Tricia” Chesson of Yangon, Myanmar, James Holmes “Ches” Chesson, Jr. of Hawaii, Janet Elizabeth Chesson of Nags Head, William Everett “Will” Chesson, Jr. of Alpharetta, GA, and Stephen D’Urso Chesson of Charleston, SC; and 9 great-grandchildren, Nicholas Goodwin Hutchison, Oliver Geiger Hutchison, Ella Rose Hutchison, Charles Currin Hutchison, Margaret Elizabeth “Liza” Wells, Harold Williams Wells, V, Wesley Chesson Wells, Carter Elizabeth Chesson, and Wesley Merritt Chesson, IV.

   Following a private family burial in Beaver Hill Cemetery, a service of celebration will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Edenton Baptist Church and will be conducted by her pastor, The Rev. David Brooks. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service.

   The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the caregivers who have provided such devoted and loving attention to “MomC” over these past years of declining health.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Edenton Baptist Church, 200 S. Granville Street, Edenton, NC 27932, and be directed for use in the music ministry.

   Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.