Ernie Earl Sessoms, 78, of Pinetops, NC died Saturday morning September 22, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones.

Ernie was born on October 21, 1939 in Edgecombe County to the late Alton Sessoms and Maggie Webb. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Fields Sessoms, whom he was married to for 26 years. He graduated from North Edgecombe High School in 1958.  He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses March 1, 1968.  He enjoyed speaking to people about his faith in the fulfillment of God's purpose to restore this earth to paradise conditions when God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Ernie was a retired State Employee having worked at the Edgecombe County School Bus Garage for 30 years. Ernie and his wife Helen enjoyed traveling and attending country music concerts.  In his free time, he also enjoyed farming and working with his hands, fixing tractors and lawnmowers. His friends say that he could fix anything. Every morning Ernie looked forward to congregating with friends at Taylor's Store at the Crossroads for coffee.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Helen Gardner Sessoms; along with his two children; Kevin Earl Sessoms and wife Linda of Garner, NC; his daughter Kimberly Sessoms Kehoe and husband Jim of High Point, NC; two stepsons; Mike and Scotty Summerlin of Tarboro, NC.  He was a loving "Peepaw" to five grandchildren; Cory (Mary) Sessoms and Brendan Sessoms; Jacob, Landen and Holden Kehoe; to two great grandchildren; Julius and Felicity Sessoms and numerous step grandchildren; four sisters, Alva (Ray) Manning; Patricia Coker; Lou Ellen (Sam) Myers; Jackie (Spencer) Gay; two brothers; Freeman (Beverly) Sessoms ; Frank (Donna) Sessoms; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Ernie Sessoms will be held 12-2pm on Saturday, September 29, 2018 followed by memorial services at 2:00pm at Carlisle Funeral Home, 701 Hospital Drive, Tarboro, NC 27886.  Plants and small flower arrangements are welcome.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com