Emma Lou (Gore) Hewett

Emma Lou (Gore) Hewett, age 88, was born December 29th, 1937, in Shallotte, NC.

She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Wayne Kyle Hewett, her mother, Iva Lorena (Sellers) Gore, father, William Claude Gore, sisters Betty-Jo Wood and Nancy Bullins and Granddaughter, Anna Elizabeth DiSpirito.

She is survived by her sister, Anna Formy-Duvall, daughters Teah DiSpirito and Angela Godsey, seven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Emma was raised on a large farm, with a small dairy, on Old Shallotte Rd. Without brothers, she and her sisters did the work typically done by boys. While attending high school, Emma ran the dairy, milking cows before and after school. She was very glad when electricity was connected to the dairy barn, as it allowed her to use electric milkers instead of milking by hand.  

Emma attended Sunnyside School for her primary grades, then moved on to Shallotte High School, where she played basketball, was co-captain of the cheerleading squad, and participated in various clubs. Emma was an excellent student and graduated third in her class in 1956.

Emma married the love of her life, Wayne Kyle Hewett on August 16th, 1957, which is still remembered by many as the hottest day of the year. A year later, they welcomed their first daughter, Teah.

Wayne was a member of the US Army and in 1958 was assigned to Camp Zama in southern Japan. He left Emma and Teah with her parents until they could join him there. Three months later, Emma and 6-month-old Teah traveled by bus and train from Wilmington to Chicago and then on to San Francisco, California. There, they boarded a military ship carrying other military families as well as soldiers headed for Japan. They crossed the Pacific, at times stormy, in 13 days.

Emma and Wayne enjoyed their time in Japan, making lasting friendships. They were active at Camp Zama Chapel, where Emma played the piano. One Sunday, Emma took cover under that piano when one of Japan’s frequent earthquakes suddenly struck. They welcomed a second daughter, Angela, in 1960.

In 1961, Wayne and Emma returned home and over the years lived in Wilmington, NC; Memphis, TN and Va. Beach, VA. In 1985, they retired to Brunswick County and built a house on a portion of the Hewett farm.

Emma and Wayne were active members at Calvary Baptist Church. They sang in the choir together and Emma served as church secretary for 23 years. It was here that she touched many lives within the church and those from the community who were seeking help. Emma was a true ambassador of Christ, as she lived out her love for God through her sincere and compassionate love for people.

Emma possessed many talents and was an industrious worker. She devoted herself successfully to making a beautiful, comfortable family home. An excellent seamstress, she made clothing for herself and her family, as well as draperies, bedspreads, and even a 3-piece suit for Wayne, after which she said, “Never again!” Emma reupholstered furniture and could even fix the dishwasher!

In later life, Emma developed a form of dementia and eventually was well cared for at Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle and Brunswick Health and Rehab-SNF. She was a favorite of the residents and staff because of her reliably friendly nature and her sense of peace that was rarely disturbed. She was known for singing in her room late into the night. Emma lost many abilities, but her spirit was always present and recognizable.

Emma is remembered by her family and friends for her good nature, laughter, sense of humor, excellent judgement, storytelling (with hand movements), love of people, creativity, compassion in word and deed, humility, and much more.

We invite you to celebrate her life with us by attending Emma’s funeral service.

Or take a moment to sing one of your favorite hymns and recall how she may have blessed your life. We, her family, know she was thankful and grateful to have known you.