Betty Harrison Wessell

March 20, 1927 - August 18, 2012
Betty Harrison Wessell

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Betty H. Wessell, 85, of Topsail Beach, NC, passed away Saturday August 18, 2012, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Columbia, SC, on March 20, 1927, the daughter of the late Laurie A. and Wilhelmina Rich Harrison and was preceded in death by her sisters, Laurie Ann Bruton and Nancy Edna Harrison and her husband, Hardy Wessell.

She had retired as a bookkeeper at Corps of Engineering Credit Union, a member of the US Power Squadron, and was a communicate of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. A Life member of the Girl Scouts of America, a volunteer with AARP Tax Consultant for the Elderly, and the Christian Seaman’s Center at the State Ports. She worked on construction for Habitat Homes, was a volunteer with the Girls Club, a Girl Scout Leader from 1958 until 1977 and served on their Board for 9 years.

Surviving are: a daughter, Nancy H. Wessell of Charleston, SC, three sons; Lawrence A. and wife, Judy, of Topsail Beach, Robert S. of Wilmington, and Thomas H. and wife, Susan, of Santa Cruz, CA, two sisters, Sarah Reimer of Ithaca, NY, and Billie MacAdams and husband, Warren, of Cincinnati, OH. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Tressa Bell and husband, Chris, Christina Langrudi and husband, Chan, Mandy San Angelo and husband, David, Jacob Wessell and wife, Mara, Joseph Wessell, Jennifer Wessell, and Mackenzie Wessell; seven great-grandchildren; Ethan and Emma Bell, Alexis and Anthony San Angelo, Asher, Keely, and Colton Wessell, also several nieces and nephews including Rebecca Ann Bruton of Hampstead.

Memorial Services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M Thursday, August 23, 2012, which is Hardy and Betty’s 65th wedding anniversary, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilmington, NC, by the Rev. Mark Opgrand.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 N. 6th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, Village Road Chapel, 525 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451. 910.383.3511


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  • August 22, 2012
    Melissa Lehrschall says:
    My prayers are with you all. Betty was the sweetest person and I enjoyed her company so much. I use to clean for Hardy & Betty a few years ago. I loved going to their home, they were the cutest couple and always young at heart and never complained about anything. I know she is at peace and happy to be back with her sweetheart. She will be missed.

  • August 22, 2012
    Vivian Parlier-Burnett says:
    My sincere condolences to the Wessell family. Betty wa a very special person and I have missed seeing her a church in the last few years.She and I worked with Habitat several years ago and had great fun while doing our chores. I will always remember her beautiful smile! Vivian Parlier-Burnett

  • August 22, 2012
    Etta Wittrock Pace and Wilma Wittrock Baker says:
    We are so sorry for your loss and have such wonderful memories of all our Girl Scout activities, especially the camping trips, cookie sales and that New York City trip. She was so much fun and we always think of her when we talk of those Wrightsville Beach days years ago. What a wonderful fun lady who blessed our lives in many ways.

  • August 22, 2012
    Joseph "Skipper" Funderburg says:
    May the Fergus - Funderburg Family of North Carolina express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Betty H. Wessell. We have lost an American Heroine, a patriot who defended our way of life and a prominent citizen who brought honor to our region. Her passing is a sad event for all those who have loved and respected her over the years. She protected those in whose love she lived and those that are dear to us. We have had the good fortune and honor to know her. We are deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Joseph "Skipper" Funderburg skipper_funderburg@yahoo.com www.carolinabeach.net

  • August 23, 2012
    Susan Meier Millinor says:
    So sorry about your mom's passing I really like her and she always made me feel welcomed. She will be remembered by me with as a great lady.