Patricia Sessoms Musselwhite, age 80, of Lumberton, passed away Sunday, August 19, 2018, at Lumberton Health & Rehabilitation Center following an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born March 9, 1938 in Robeson County to the late Leroy Sessoms and the late Maitland Johnson Sessoms. She was a beloved and dedicated teacher with The Public Schools of Robeson County for 25 years and a member of Regan United Methodist Church for 62 years.

A couple of things that her family would like to share:

She never met a stranger. If you already knew her, she was overjoyed to see you and to catch up. If she met you for the first time, after a few minutes, she would  find a way to connect with you and you would then always be her friend.

Her unconditional commitment to her students was inspiring to them and to those who witnessed her devotion as a teacher. Students often said to her "You cared and because of this, I have wanted to do something with my life to make you proud."

Mrs. Musselwhite is survived by her husband, O.P. Musselwhite, Jr. of the home; her children: Randy Musselwhite and wife Carol of Wilmington, Lynn Musselwhite Gronosky and husband Jeff of Melbourne Beach, FL, and Stephen Musselwhite and wife Ann of Lumberton; five grandchildren: Rachel Musselwhite, Emily Musselwhite, Ian Gronosky, Alex Musselwhite and wife Labreassa, and Brandon Musselwhite and wife Victoria; and one sister, Betty Nicholson of Sunset Beach.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, from 1:30-3:00 PM at Regan United Methodist Church.

Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM with Rev. Gordon Caughill and Rev. Bruce Skipper officiating. Burial will follow in the church's cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27612; or to Regan United Methodist Church, c/o Janet Howell, 3959 Regan Church Road, Lumberton, NC 28358.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Lumberton Health & Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care.