By Staff
Mrs. Adelle McGowan Tetterton, age 80, a resident of Britthaven and formerly of Bath, died Saturday, February 10, 2007 after a long, brave struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday February 13, 2007 at Woodard’s Pond Church of Christ officiated by Jim Reed and Maxie Gavin. Burial will follow in Pamlico Memorial Gardens.
Adelle was born February 19, 1926 to Eddie McGowan and Martha Keech McGowan, both of North Creek, North Carolina. She was the ninth of fifteen children, five of whom died in childhood. Her father was a fisherman and her mother tended to the home and their children at the family homeplace on North Creek, which she later owned. She spent her childhood around the water, often rowing with her sisters and brothers across the creek to visit with friends. Adelle dearly loved her father, whom she always called “Papa.” He doted on her in return and considered her the best cook in the family.
Adelle was a beautiful and caring young woman. She was very bright, graduating from John A. Wilkinson High School as the valedictorian. When she was thirteen, she and her siblings went by boat to the Belhaven Fourth of July celebration where she met her future husband. At age nineteen, she married J.T. Tetterton, of Bath, on January 27, 1946, after eloping from an oyster roast held in her honor. She was the beloved daughter-in-law of Lloyd and Lucy Tetterton, of Bath.
Adelle and her husband were tenant farmers for much of her life. She worked alongside her husband in the fields, kept the house, and raised her three children on Jamie Archbell’s farm at Douglas Crossroads.
Adelle’s faith was very important to her. She was quite active at Woodard’s Pond Church of Christ and made sure that faith played an important role in her family. She touched innumerable young lives during her more than forty years teaching Sunday School at Woodard’s Pond. Many adults throughout the community still fondly remember “Ms. Adelle.” She also served as a den mother with the Cub Scouts and was a member of her church ladies’ group.
Adelle and J.T. recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. They were loving and devoted to each other throughout their lives together. She was very proud of her three children, Faye, James, and Jennie. Her children remember her as a mother with unending patience, forgiveness, and love. She taught her children the value of hard work and the importance of love. She was a wonderful cook and raised her children in a happy Christian home.
Adelle was a wonderful grandmother to her six grandchildren. Although she was often busy, she always could make time to play croquet or badminton with them in the front yard. She was always happy to have them spend the night with her, even on short notice. They remember many happy hours with her spent swimming at Goose Creek and playing at the point in Bath. She showed her love for them in a million little ways they will always treasure.
Adelle was special to her three great-grandchildren. Although they only knew her after the onset of Alzheimer’s, they loved her a great deal. They visited with her at Britthaven and enjoyed drawing pictures for her.
Adelle will be greatly missed by her family and the many people she touched throughout her life. She was bright, steady, loving, and patient. The biggest lesson she taught those who knew her is that ‘“love is the greatest gift of all.” She gave the gift of her love, her time, and her patience to many and taught her family how to have faith, have fun, and have love for each other.
Adelle is survived by her devoted husband, J.T. Tetterton, of Washington, NC and their three children: Faye T. Swain and her husband D.S. Swain, III of Chocowinity, James Tetterton and his wife, Hope Tetterton of Bath, and Jennie T. Discepolo and her husband, Al Discepolo of Burgess, Virginia; three sisters: Blanche Little of Washington, Stella Equils of North Creek and Beulah Scott of Florida; six grandchildren: Duard Stockran Swain IV and his wife, Lynn of Washington, Deeson Darrow Swain and his wife, Angela of Washington, Deanna Faye Swain of Chocowinity, James Curtis (J.C.) Tetterton of Belhaven, Candice Adelle Discepolo of Burgess, Virginia, and Alfred James (A.J.) Discepolo of Burgess, Virginia; three great-grandchildren: Duard Stockran Swain, V, of Washington, Lindsay Adelle Swain of Washington and Deeson Darrow Swain, II of Washington.
Adelle was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Martha McGowan; her brothers: Willie, Archie, Alton, Mitchell, Joe Mac, Milburn, and Jonny; and her sisters: Katie, Mary Etta, Mollie, and Ella.
The family will receive friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday at Paul Funeral Home in Washington and other times at the home located at 709 Brown Street, Washington.
Memorials may be made to: Woodard’s Pond Church of Christ, 9004 US 264 Highway East, Washington, NC 27889.
You may view her obituary or address your condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
Paul Funeral Home of Washington is serving the Tetterton Family.
Paid Obituary