Thetus Batten Sessions of Whiteville passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026. She was born July 8, 1928, to the late Fanny Worrell and John Wesley Batten. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sydney Michelle Sessions, her husband, James Harold Sessions and her siblings Nellie Batten, William Batten, Graham Batten, J.C. Batten, Lloyd Batten, Lois Blakely, Paul Batten, Carl Batten, Retha Carey and infant sister Thelma Batten.
She was a graduate of Hallsboro High School and continued her education at Louisburg College and Southeastern Community College.
She was employed by Dr. W.E. Miller and Dr. W.F. Barefoot. She remained in the health care profession by working at the Mental Health Center and Columbus County Health Department and Columbus County Hospital. She retired from BB&T.
Thetus was a member of Whiteville United Methodist Church where she held several offices in United Methodist Women. Music was important to Thetus. In addition to singing in the church choir into her 90’s she was a charter member of Southeast Oratorio.
Her love for gardening, particularly rose gardening was incentive for being in the Evening Garden Club where she held several offices.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Janet Gray (Coke), Cindy Scott (Matt) and son Greg (Buff); eight grandchildren – Coke Gray III (Sarah), Mary Bennon Wheatley (Brent), Wes Gray (Tiffany), Kea Stroud (Fabry), Savannah Ward (Garrett), Madison Godwin (Zack), Preston Parker (Bailey) and Tyler Sessions (Liza). Seventeen great-grandchildren completed her family – Emma Gray Wheatley, Price Wheatley, Emily Kea Gray, Margaret Gray, Pickett Stroud, Evie Stroud, Carson Stroud, Stella Gray, Lillian Gray, Hayes Parker, Jack Parker, Elle Parker, Kimball Parker, Parker Ward, Luke Ward, Mayer Godwin and Graham Godwin.
A memorial service will be held at Whiteville United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00 with Rev. Joe Washburn and Rev. Howard James officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the therapy department at Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center for the development of a therapy garden in memory of Thetus.
McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Sessions family.
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