Mrs. Odessa LaVerne Owens Haughton, age 91 of Gaston, NC, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

Odessa, daughter of the late George Roger Owens and Mamie Patillo Owens, was born March 3, 1921 in Pittsburgh, PA.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized by the late Rev. W.T. Edmonds and joined Gaston Missionary Baptist Church where she has remained a loyal and faithful member in her attendance and stewardship until her demise. She served diligently as a member of the Gaston Gospel Chorus, the Nurses Unit and held membership in the Gaston Civic Club and Chaloner Senior Citizens.

She attended school in North Carolina until the 7th Grade. She then relocated back to Pennsylvania where she completed high school in 1942. She furthered her education while attending Hampton University and graduated from Dixie Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1946.

She met and married Dr. James G. Haughton in 1950 in Brooklyn, NY and their union was blessed with two children, James, Jr. and Paula Yvette. James, Jr. passed away in 1987.

Treasured memories will remain with her devoted daughter, Paula Haughton Easter and husband, Johnny; three grandsons: James, III, Justin and Christopher; one great-grandson: James, IV; her step-sister: Viola Jackson of Queens, NY a beloved god-daughter: Ruthie D. Jackson and son, Bryan of Jacksonville, FL; a special cousin: Melissa Owens Rankins of Henrico, NC; a host of other relatives and many friends.

A Visitation will be Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Cofield Mortuary.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. from the sanctuary of Gaston Missionary Baptist Church, Gaston, NC with the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Tony M. Flood, Sr. bringing words of comfort.

Mrs. Haughton will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.

The Cofield Family and Staff extends their heartfelt sympathy and continued support to Mrs. Paula H. Easter and Family during and after this period of bereavement.