Bessie Mae Butt Morgan | Eastern North Carolina Now

    The Lord has called one of his beloved Angels home. Bess passed away just before midnight on February 2.

    Bess Morgan was born July 3, 1927 in Beaufort County, the daughter of Thomas Elwood Butt and Doris Tripp Butt. She graduated high school in Aurora and studied nursing at East Carolina Teachers College (ECU) and completed her registered nurses' training at the old Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. During 1948, Bess met Truett in Raleigh and after a whirlwind courtship, they wed later that year. In 1950 Bess and Truett, with their two very young sons, moved to Wilmington where Bess worked with local pediatrician, Rowena S. Hall for a number of years. She later pursued her industrial nursing career at Mozur Laces, Carolina Nitrogen, and W. R. Grace.

    Bess enjoyed her membership in the Piney Acres Garden Club, but found her greatest joy in her love for her family and friends. She will always be remembered for her mostly green thumb, a strong love of animals and her talent for producing wonderful jams, jellies and pickled preserves. Many people have been the lucky recipients of her canning talents and would likely receive a second gift if they returned the first empty jar. She lovingly gave time to her church as a Sunday school teacher, altar guild member and church volunteer. She always did whatever needed doing with a smile and happiness. Bess was especially proud of her family's North Carolina lineage that dates back to the early 1700s.

    She is survived by her husband of sixty-seven years, Walter Truett Morgan, two sons, Walter T. Morgan Jr. (Madeline) of Mooresville, NC and Thomas J. Morgan (Karen) of Wilmington, NC, three grandchildren, Walt Morgan, Sally Perry and Austin Morgan, and four great-grandchildren. Bess also leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sisters, Olivia Mattocks and Peggy Boyd and many special friends.

    Bess was preceded to heaven by her mother who died while Bess was only 3 years old, her brother Thomas, and her granddaughter Barbara (Barbie) Morgan. She often remarked that she looked forward to a reunion with her loved ones in heaven.

    In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 1219 Forest Hills Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403.

    There will be a service at 11:00 a.m. on February 13th at St. Johns, with Reverend Tom Barnett officiating. Bess' ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden at St. Johns following the service. A reception will be held after the service in the church fellowship hall.

    Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.wilmingtoncares.com.

    Arrangements are by Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC.