Miss Berta M. Sessoms, 96

Berta Mae Sessoms died peacefully at Rex Convalescent in Raleigh, Saturday, June 13, 2009. She was 96. Born October 4, 1912 in Sampson County, Mae was the daughter of George and Romea Sessoms. She attended the Oakhurst School, the Cat-Head School and graduated from the Roseboro School. After high school Mae went to work for the family of Augustus P. Howard, farmers and merchants in Salemburg, N.C., caring for Mrs Howard, who was an invalid. Upon the death of Mrs. Howard, Mae went to live with the family of Samuel A. Howard, also of Salemburg, and son of the elder Howards. She lived as part of the Howard family, devoting much of her time to the care and rearing their sons, Deryl and John. She moved with the Howards to Raleigh in the late 1950's. In the mid-1960's, Mae went to work part-time at Hayes Barton Baptist Church overseeing the nursery. Shortly thereafter, Mae went to work for the J. Gregory Poole, Jr. family helping raise children Greg III, Alyson, Kenan and Ashton. Mae finished her working career with the Pooles, and at the time of her death had been a member of their family for 42 years. Mae, whose nicknames included Mae-Mae, Mae-Dames, Dames and Zookie, will be remembered for many things; her devotion to a job she loved, her moral standards and sense for what was right and wrong, her expertise in southern-style cooking and her sense of humor. She took great pride in her job and in setting the right example for all of the young children she helped raise. In her self-giving devotion and service to others, Mae exemplified principles of Christian charity and love. In turn, she was beloved by all and will be missed terribly. Mae was predeceased by sisters Kate Sessoms and Glendon Horne (Johnny) and brothers: John Sessoms (Eula Mae), Fes Sessoms (Lula Jane), James Sessoms, Les Sessoms, Len Sessoms (Eloise) and Ab Sessoms (Annie). She is survived by nieces Vonita Sessoms, Bonnie Sessoms, Doris Strickland, Elaine Farmer and Doris Schoubroek; nephews Thomas Sessoms, George Horne, Leo Sessoms, Everette Sessoms and George Sessoms. The Poole family would like to thank Rex Convalescent and the services of Lakita Essa and her wonderful staff for providing Mae with much love and comfort throughout the years. In addition, they would like to thank Hospice of Wake County for their help and support in ensuring Mae's final days were peaceful and dignified. A memorial service conducted by Dr. Charles Johnson, Jr. will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 2pm in the chapel at Butler Funeral Home in Roseboro, N.C.