William R Jessup

He was born on January 14, 1933 in Shelby, NC, son of the late Rev. Lloyd L. Jessup and Nellie Borden Jessup.

Mr. Jessup was an ordained Southern Baptist minister. He pastored several small churches in rural Virginia before accepting the role of Minister to Youth at First Baptist Church in Richmond, VA.

In the late 1960’s, Mr. Jessup became involved in civil rights, and accepted the position of Executive Secretary of the Raleigh Community Relations Committee.

In 1973, Mr. Jessup moved to Atlanta, GA to join the Voters Education Project as Assistant Director under John Lewis.

He moved to Wilmington in 1975 and worked as a Director of Human Relations for New Hanover County until his retirement. He was a Past President of the National Association of Human Rights workers and a member of the International Organization of Human Rights. Among other awards during his years of service, he was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wilmington. He enjoyed photography and was fascinated by learning all the capabilities of the computer, also enjoyed working outside in his garden. He was for many years, a member of the local magic ring.

Including his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, William R. Jessup, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Jessup; daughters, Cheryl Jessup of Richmond ,VA, Sue Walter and her husband Jay of Mesa, AZ, Jan Burger and her husband Michael of Richmond, VA; brother, George Walter Jessup and his wife Aneta of Greensboro, NC; sister, Jeanne Lester and her husband Harold of New Port News, VA; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday June 29, 2012 at the Coble Ward –Smith Funeral Home, 3915 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday June 30, 2012 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4313 Lake Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403.

The staff of Coble Ward –Smith Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William R. Jessup.