Mary Hazel Moore Wilson

Mary Hazel Moore Wilson, age 72, of Wilmington passed away Sunday, September 2, 2012. She was born February 17, 1940 in New Hanover County, daughter of the late Clifton Leonard Moore, Sr., Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the late Hazel Swinson Moore. Mary Hazel is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, John Daniel Wilson; daughters, Mariel Brytte Culotta and husband, James of California, and Johanna Moore Richardson and husband, Heath of Virginia; grandchildren, Claire and James Culotta, and Jonathan, Seth and Daniel Richardson. She also leaves behind her brother, Clifton Leonard Moore, Jr. and his wife, Catherine Haynes Moore of Burgaw; nieces Katie Thomas, Cam Winn and Marguerite Moore; great nephew Drew; and great nieces Ilish and Zoe. Special mention is also given to the late Helen Brytte Heffner, family friend and great influence on Mary Hazel's life. Mary Hazel grew up in Burgaw, North Carolina and was a graduate of Burgaw High School. In 1962 she graduated from East Carolina University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in primary education. She taught school in Wake County, New Hanover County and Pender County. While growing up in Burgaw, Mary Hazel was a member of the Burgaw Methodist Church where she and her husband were married in 1967. Mary Hazel was an active member of the Burgaw Presbyterian Church from 1974 until the mid-90's and later joined First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington. Mary Hazel cherished her family. Being a wife and mother was her great joy. She felt that her two daughters were precious gifts to be cared for, nurtured and loved. They gave her five beautiful grandchildren, creating in her life further fulfillment of happiness and love as well as the cherished title of Grandmamma'. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 8, 2012 at home, following a private memorial service officiated by Chaplain Joseph Jankowiak. Mary Hazel's ashes will be scattered at sea by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.