Hannah Roberson Bagwell | Eastern North Carolina Now

Born: December 12, 1923, Died: May 07, 2014

    A Celebration of the life of Hannah Watson Roberson Bagwell, 90 years old, will be held Saturday, May 10, at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church, officiated by Major Ron Busroe of the Salvation Army and Rev. Alan Sasser.

    Organist Michael Morgan will present a selection of Hannah's favorite organ music. The family will receive friends in the Parlor after the service. Also, visitation will be held at the Bagwell home at 1215 Summit Avenue on Friday, May 9th from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

    Hannah was born on December 12, 1923, in her childhood home at 319 West Second Street in Washington. Her parents, the late Rosa Jane Watson Roberson and William Riley Roberson, Sr., were the greatest influences in her life. Hannah attended the Washington City Schools and graduated in 1941. She enrolled at Greensboro College and in 1945 received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with minors in piano and organ. After teaching music for one year in Elizabeth City, Hannah returned to Washington where she taught junior and senior high school music in 1947 at the old Washington High School location on the corner of West Second Street and Bridge Street.

    She married the love of her life James Franklin Bagwell, Sr. on June 22, 1946. Hannah's wedding dress was made from James's silk parachute he brought home from his service in the Army Air Corps. They were married for 59 and 1/2 years.

    In 1947, Hannah became the Choir Director at First Christian Church where she served joyfully for 37 years. She was paid $25 a month. She was a Life Member of the First Christian Church. Hannah and James established the Roberson-Bagwell Music Endowment to enable the church musicians to attend workshops. Also, the endowment sponsors a yearly concert that unites the choirs from First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church to sing under the direction of a nationally known guest conductor. Hannah and James also loved the Bill Bagwell Hand Bell Choir. Bill's Sunday School class gave the hand bells in his memory.

    Hannah was a Charter Member of the Stratford Book Club. Their 60th anniversary meeting was held at her home in September, 2013. She was also a member of the Junior Woman's Club, the Woman's Club and the Beaufort County Mental Health Association where she served as Chair Person. She was appointed by the City Council to the Human Relations Council and also served on the board of the United Way. Hannah was a faithful member of the Trinity Sunday School Class of the First Christian Church, and played the piano on Sundays as long as her health permitted.

    Hannah and James had a very special place in their hearts for the Salvation Army. She was the first female Chairman of their Advisory Committee and the Salvation Army recognized her with a Life Membership. The Chapel at the Salvation Army was rededicated in her honor at a special ceremony on April 6, 2014.

    She is survived by a daughter, Jane Roberson Bagwell Griffin and husband Pat, a son, James (Jim) Franklin Bagwell, Jr., a daughter-in-law Jill Bagwell Pike and husband Rev. Skip Pike; six grandchildren, Rose Elizabeth Griffin, Thomas Patrick Griffin and fiancée Emily Dobbs, Joshua William Bagwell and wife Isabel, Joseph James Bagwell and wife Ali, John Zachary Bagwell and Lily Evangeline Bagwell; three step-grandchildren, Meghan Pike, Jessica Pike Currin and Spring Cecil; one great-grandchild, William (Liam) James Bagwell; two beloved nieces, Robin Roberson Potts and husband Zoph and Phyllis Roberson Hendrickson; and two beloved nephews, William Riley Roberson, III and wife Olivia and Joseph Philmore (Phil) Roberson, Jr.

    Hannah was predeceased by her parents, her husband James F. Bagwell, Sr., her son, William (Bill) Roberson Bagwell, her brothers William (Bill) Riley Roberson, Jr. and Joseph Philmore (Phil) Roberson, Sr., her mother-in-law Elizabeth Galloway Bagwell and her brother-in-law Marshall Everett Bagwell, Jr.

    Hannah was blessed by the professional care and personal friendship of Dr. Richard Young. Also, the family is grateful to her loving and Christian caregivers Ann Mey, Becky Hodges, and especially to Diane Hudson whose faithful care of both Hannah and James spanned twenty-seven years.

    In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Salvation Army, 112 East Seventh Street, Washington, NC 27889 or to the First Christian Church, 401 East Second Street, Washington, NC 27889.

    Condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Bagwell family.