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Belhaven — Surrounded by her loving family, Carol Jean Van Vessem Klaassen, of 404 Hubs Rec Road, Belhaven, entered eternal glory to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 17, 2024 from Ridgewood Rehabilitation & Living Center.

Carol was born in Suffolk County, New York on December 3, 1929, to the late John Lambert and Carrie Van Hine Van Vessem. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Alfred “Bill” Klaassen in 2003 to whom she was a loving and devoted wife of 53 years.

A homemaker, she was a faithful member of Covenant United Reformed Church. Growing up on Long Island New York, she spent most of her time devoted to family, church and the Christian school; a theme that carried throughout her life. Carol and her husband, Bill, lived in West Sayville, New York, Andover, New Hampshire, and Sandwich, Massachusetts before their adventures brought them to Belhaven, North Carolina. Her love for Christ, warm and constant hospitality, was an encouragement and blessing to many. The couple raised four children, thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, whom she found immense pleasure in caring for. She shared her joy of gardening, bird watching and puzzles with all of them. Carol covered her family in faithful prayers, steadfast, nurturing love and handmade afghans, which they treasure. She also donated countless baby afghans to the Coastal Pregnancy Center. Carol worked in the Belhaven Public Library from 1989 to 2008 where she shared her love of reading with the many patrons. Her 94 years were a testament to the virtues of dependability and resilience.

Carol will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Linda Rice and husband Frank of Dacula, Georgia, David Klaassen and wife Lorraine of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Roger Klaassen and wife Taffy of Belhaven, North Carolina, and Allison Kreisinger and husband Robert of Suwanee, Georgia. Her life was also enriched with thirteen grandchildren, Shawn Rice (Shanna), Nathaniel Rice (April), Brendan Rice (Mindy), Carrie Rice, Justin Klaassen (Bethany Rossi), Jarrod Klaassen (Anthea), Jordan Klaassen, Brienne Klaassen, Shannon Field (Kegan), Shelby Klaassen McRoy (Blake), Zack Klaassen, Kelsey Kreisinger, Abigail Kreisinger; seventeen great grandchildren, Tyler Rice (Amy), Emma Rice, Franklin Keel, Aubrey Rice, Amory Rice, Joshua Rice, Tanner Rice, Evan Rice, Noah Rice, Juliana Rossi-Klaassen, Maebel Rossi-Klaassen, Adyson Klaassen, Lily Klaassen, Clara Klaassen, Kathryn Field, Michael Field, and Thomas Field; and a lifelong friend who was considered a sister, Elaine Beebe.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Covenant United Reformed Church, 24599 Highway 264 East, Pantego, North Carolina, and will be officiated by Pastor Scottie Wright. A private burial will follow in the Belhaven Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Shawn, Nathaniel, Brendan and Tyler Rice, Justin, Jarrod, Jordan and Zack Klaassen. Friends may join the family on Monday, June 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the church, and all other times at Roger and Taffy’s home, 404 Hubs Rec Road, Belhaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Belhaven Public Library, 333 Main St, Belhaven, NC 27810.

We find solace in knowing she is now reunited with her husband, Bill, and resting in the warm embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, North Carolina, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.