Sossomon
Creighton Wolfe Sossomon passed away peacefully at his home in Highlands, on Jan. 12, following a period of declining health.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jane Wolfe Sossomon and Dr. Daniel Creighton Sossomon, as well as his stepmother, Beverly Matthews Sossomon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Allison Sossomon (Highlands) and his stepdaughter, Trecy Lois Bergen (Austin,) whom he also dearly loved. He is also survived by his stepsisters, Lynn Kilette (Belmont, NC), Beverly Ann Lyda (Powder Springs, GA), Patty M. Hart (Euroa, Victoria, Australia), and Guerry McConnell (Jonesborough, TN), as well as his brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, beloved nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends.
Creighton, known throughout his life by his family and most of his friends as “Zeke”, was born in Charlotte. His younger years were spent in Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Memphis, TN. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Cullowhee, where he made many lifelong friends and graduated from the McKee Laboratory School in 1962. Then he attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1966, earning dual degrees in history and economics. He then attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill, in 1969, earning his Juris Doctor. He immediately sat for and passed the North Carolina Bar. Ever the explorer, he then ventured to Atlanta, where he clerked for a superior court judge. Once being admitted to the GA Bar, he practiced law with the Fulton County, GA, District Attorney’s office until he moved back to Cullowhee, where he began practicing law with Holt & Haire, PA in nearby Sylva. In 1976, Zeke opened his own law practice in Sylva.
During that time, he served as the county attorney for Jackson County, from 1979 until 1982. He was also an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Jaycees, and the Board of Trustees at Western Carolina University (distinguished service award). He was instrumental in the growth of Southwestern Community College, where he taught real estate.
In 1984, Zeke moved his law practice to Highlands, joining with Coward, Coward, and Dillard, PA until 1992, when he opened his solo practice in Highlands. In addition to practicing law in Highlands, Zeke continued to be a Rotarian (Business leader award); he served terms on both the Zoning Board of Highlands and the Planning Board of Highlands; he served six years as a member of the Town Board of Highlands; he was a member of the Church of the Incarnation, serving in many capacities, including the vestry, lay reader, usher, and camera operator; he served on the Peggy Crosby Center Board of Directors and the Crosby Center Founding Board.
Throughout his life, Zeke was active in numerous other civic clubs, committees, and charitable endeavors. However, the practice and study of law was his calling and passion; he was a skilled litigator and respected attorney for many years.
In his later years, what Zeke enjoyed most was spending time with his family, his friends, and his pets. He also enjoyed participating in church services and activities, traveling, and helping others through volunteering and work. His lifelong interests included reading, diligently keeping up with current events, and rooting for the Tarheels. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered.
A memorial service will be held Saturday Jan. 29, 2022 at 11 a.m., at the Episcopal Church of Incarnation in Highlands.
For the safety of all, masks will be provided, and social distancing will be observed. In addition, the service will be live streamed.
A link will be provided on www.maconfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org, the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org., or the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust at www.hicashlt.org.
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.