Obituary of Ora Lee Sossamon

ASHEVILLE--Ora Lee Dougherty Sossamon passed away on her 96th birthday, April13, 2013, at Givens Health Center after a brief period of declining health. She was born in Black Mountain to Walter Lee Dougherty and Ora Evelyn Hughes Dougherty. She returned to Bryson City with her mother after her father's unexpected death. She graduated from Swain County High School in 1934, and entered Queens Chicora College in Charlotte where she earned a BS degree in Home Economics. Shortly after graduation, she accepted a teaching position in Troutman NC at the Barium Springs Orphanage. There she met Leroy Sossamon, a fellow educator. They married, and after a brief time in Statesville NC, moved back to Bryson City where they reared four children. Ora Lee was active in the Bryson City United Methodist Church where she held various leadership positions with the United Methodist Women. She also was a member of the choir as well as a communion steward. In the community, she enjoyed her time with friends in the American Association of University Women, the local chapter of the NC Federation of Women's Clubs, and the American Red Cross Bloodmobile, where she was a donor and volunteer. Ora Lee took a great deal of pride in her work as the family history editor of the 1988 publication of Swain County Heritage—North Carolina. She viewed this work as one of the greatest contributions of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society. Additionally, as an advocate of education, Ora Lee worked diligently on scholarship opportunities for Swain County students. Sewing and quilting were an integral part of Ora Lee's early childhood. Those skills were carried into her adult life. As a seamstress, she created much of her own wardrobe, as well as that of her young children. Initially, these endeavors rose from necessity, but she pursued them as a labor of love. Later in life there was more time for creativity and she found her passion in needlepoint, creating many award-winning pieces of art. It gave her much joy to share these works with family and friends. Ora Lee was predeceased by her husband Leroy, and two sons; Jon Sossamon and James Lee Sossamon. She is survived by two daughters, Ann Marie S. Woffindin (and husband Sam), and Beth S. Eckstein, both of Asheville; and daughter-in-law Judy B. Quinn of Leicester. She also leaves six grandchildren to cherish their memories of Mom Lee: Jon Decker of Columbus, Ohio; Michael Decker of Greensboro; Brett Decker (and wife Claudette) of Johnson City TN; Annie Eckstein of New York, NY; Will Eckstein (and wife Allison) of Raleigh; and Elizabeth S. Rymer of Leicester. Ora Lee also had five great grandchildren that brightened her life; Jack and Thomas Eckstein, Luke and Jake Rymer, and Terri Lynn Decker. Special gratitude is expressed to the staffs of Heather Glen Assisted Living and Givens Health Care Center for their loving care. Those considering a memorial may select among the Bryson City United Methodist Church (PO Box 817, Bryson City NC 28713), the Swain County Community Foundation, (% NC Community Foundation, 4601 Six Forks Rd, Suite 524, Raleigh NC 27609) or a charity of choice. The funeral service will be at the Bryson City United Methodist Church on Friday April 19 at noon. Visitation with the family will precede the service in the sanctuary at 11:00am. Crisp Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.