Mable Hesmer

Mable Taylor Hesmer, the beloved only child of Guy Claudius Taylor and Mable Gatlin Taylor of Kinston, passed away peacefully at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Dr. T.C. Hesmer, Jr.

 Mable was a woman of exceptional beauty and a vibrant soul, revered as the nurturing matriarch of her family. She was the proud mother of five children and a jubilant grandmother to 19 precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After a courageous six-year battle with cancer, Mable’s strength and resilience remain an inspiration to all who knew her.

 Born and raised in Kinston, Mable graduated from Grainger High School in 1948 before attending Salem College in Winston-Salem. It was there she met the love of her life, “Skeet” Hesmer, on a blind date. The two quickly fell in love, married soon thereafter, and moved to Wilson, where Mable dedicated herself to raising a family while supporting her husband’s dental practice.

 After 30 years of devoted motherhood, Mable enrolled at East Carolina University at age 50, pursuing a degree in Art History. She went on to become an accomplished painter, and her creative spirit continued to flourish as she developed a passion for bridge, floral design, and world travel.

 Among Mable’s many blessings, her friendships were among her greatest treasures. She fondly reminisced about her high school days and maintained deep connections with several of her classmates for an incredible 75 years.

 Mable’s joyful spirit, warmth, and love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She is survived by her devoted companion of 13 years, Arnold Parris, and her five children: Anna Hesmer, Russell Hesmer (Crystal), Donna Browning (Holt), Ron Hesmer (Katharine), and Taylor Hesmer (Keely). She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Andrew Gleeson (Christine), Christopher Gleeson (Jenny), Rachel Gleeson (Aaron), and Zya; William Hesmer (Tacey), William III, Anderson, and Hunter; Anna Jane Franklin (TK), Kivett, and Anna Russell; David Hesmer (fiancée Grace Bell); Caroline and Elizabeth Holt Browning; Whitney Ziada (Will), Smedes, and Skeet Hesmer; Sidney (fiancé Ryan Dixon), and Taylor Jr. Hesmer.

 Our family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mary Burch and her team for their loving care and support, ensuring that Mable’s final days at home were peaceful and comfortable.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Wilson, a place where Mable’s spirit and legacy will continue to be honored.

 Mable’s memory will forever live in our hearts, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

 Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life service which will be held at First United Methodist Church, Wilson NC on Friday, November 15th at 11:00 am.

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.