Annie Hazelene Sossamon's Obituary
Annie Hazelene Gant Sossamon, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, June 27, 2016. She was a remarkable woman who left a big imprint on the world. Born August 22, 1930, she was the second child and only daughter of James Oscar and Janie Sims Gant of Davidson. She grew up happy and well loved in that town, but left it to pursue her calling as a registered nurse. She attended Longs School of Nursing and graduated from Baptist School of Nursing in 1951.
Just a month later, she married the love of her life, Jonathan Harvey Sossamon from Cornelius. They were married on July 27, 1951. Hazelene wore a wedding dress she designed and paid for with her babysitting money. They exchanged their vows under an arch built by her father.
John and Hazelene were blessed with 5 children: Judy, Janet, Jane Ann, Joni and Jonathan, Jr. This large family not only made for a very full house, but also very full hearts.
John and Hazelene were always very proud of their children, their accomplishments and their lives. Remarkably, they worked together to be able to provide a college education for each one, so each child could pursue their dreams, vocations and careers. Their sacrifice, hard work, and persistence assured that their children had the necessary tools to succeed in life.
The last 33 years of her nursing career were spent at the Huntersville Oaks as night supervisor. During this time, she helped hundreds of people navigate their paths through the last years of their lives. She cared for the patients, their families and her co-workers.
After 43 combined years of nursing, she retired to begin full-time enjoyment of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Hazelene had many sources of happiness: her family, church, gardening, flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, sunsets, traveling, reading, knitting, cooking, painting, catering, cake decorating, camping, family traditions, her neighbor’s dog, old movies, the beach, fall leaves, trees in the spring, crepe myrtles, the colors teal and “nile green”, hats, on and on.
She leaves a rich legacy that is long in love. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Oscar and Janie Gant; brother, John Gant; granddaughter, Rebecca Hinson; and her beloved husband John. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Judy Hicks (Frankie), Janet Hinson (Marvin), Jane Ann Ervin (Gary), Joni Pressley (Randy), Jonathan Sossamon (Leisa); grandchildren: Judy Carol Davis, Daniel Hicks, Chris Hinson, Matt Hinson, Lydia Smith, Travis Ervin, April Ervin, David Ervin, Jamie Lloyd and Travis Lloyd; great-grandchildren: Malinda, Ashley, Joseph, William, Hannah, Samuel, Juniper, Wren and Acadia; great-great grandchildren, Joel, Christina, and Jennie; brothers, James O. Gant, II, Paul Gant and David Gant. She loved them all dearly as well as their spouses and her many nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the friends who enhanced her life, Barbara Setzer, Carrie Baskin and Dot Trull.
Her life made a difference to each of us. We love her and will always miss her. We are so very comforted to know she is with Jesus and we will see her again. We thank her for all the love she gave to us. Even more, we thank Jesus Christ for giving her the love and strength and grace to be the person she was.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday, June 30 at James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Dr. Huntersville, NC. The service celebrating her life will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 1, 2016 at Cole U.M.C. 2022 W. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262. She will be laid to rest beside her husband following the service at Mt. Zion U.M.C., 19600 Zion Ave. Cornelius, NC 28031.
Memorials may be made to Cole Memorial U.M.C.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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