CASSIE A. EXUM
June 11, 1910- March 14, 2008
Cassie A. Exum, 97, lovingly known by her family and church friends as "Mother Cassie," of 909 N. Virginia St., Goldsboro, N.C., drifted peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday at the residence of her granddaughter, Sonja Pierce.
She was born the daughter of William "Sanch" Washington and Louetta Dobson Atkinson of Kenly, N.C. Mother Cassie was a resident of Goldsboro for over 79 years and was preceded in death by her husband, "Papa" Odell Exum; and daughter, Helloise Atkinson Pierce. She was the surviving sibling of 10, preceded in death by brothers, Willie, Bright "Buddy", Monroe, Paul and Thomas; sisters, Hattie Mae "Sis" Atkinson, Margaret "Coon" Atkinson Wimberly, Etta Atkinson Bennett, Dorothy Garner; granddaughter, Charlene Tyler; grandsons, Bobby Atkinson and William Atkinson.
Mrs. Exum was a faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Goldsboro, N.C. Active in the church until slowed by failing health, Mother Cassie served Antioch as chair of the Deaconess Board for many years, member of the Senior Missionary, Senior Choir No. 1 and 3, Floral Club, Sunday school, usher board and supporter of the Antioch Missionary Baptist TV ministry. She was a member of the Eastern Star and retired as owner of a floral business in "Little Washington."
She is survived by her daughter, Adoris Atkinson Pierce and husband, Milford, of Clayton, N.C.; son-in-law, Lucas Pierce of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, George Edward Pierce, Johnnie Atkinson, Carolyn Frierson and husband, Bruce, Cas-sandra Atkinson, Sonja Pierce, Novell Pierce, Tonja Pierce, Alicia Stevens, Doris Pierce; great-grandchildren, Pamela Tyler, Theresa Tyler, Deidre Tyler, Deborah Lynch, Jennifer Sims, Anthony Dunston, Jabari Bell (deceased), Devan Stevens, Kala Gulley, Tyler Stevens; nephew, Johnny Williams; nieces, Eunice Kennedy, Marie Anderson, Glennie Parks, Joyce Atkinson, Jean Cox, Shirley Thomas; and a number of great-great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to her great-niece, Hattie Louise Hobbs, Arthur Raiford Jr. and wife, Shirley, Elder Jackson and Mae Clark for their support and comfort. Mother Cassie was a resilient and focused person who sought excellence in herself and others. She will be long remembered by church members, neighbors and friends from Johnston and Wayne County communities.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 11 a.m., the family will assemble at Hamilton Funeral Home, 423 S. James St., Goldsboro, N.C., in preparation for the funeral procession.
Funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 601 W. Elm St., Goldsboro, N.C. with the Rev. Kenneth Tate officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Goldsboro, N.C.
One hour prior to the funeral, the family will receive friends and other family members on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, from noon to 1 p.m. at the church. Other times, visitation will be held at the residence of Milford and Adoris Pierce, 1967 Cooper Branch Road, Clayton, N.C. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church TV Ministry in honor of their loved one.
Cards, love-grams and condolences may be faxed to Hamilton Funeral Chapel at 919-735-4725 or e-mailed to hamiltonfc@bellsouth.net. For the family, other gifts may be sent to Hamilton Funeral Chapel, Goldsboro, N.C.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 18, 2008 1:50 PM