Camilla McPherson Hull, a native and life-long resident of Elizabeth City, passed away Sunday, July 27th, 2014 at Sentara Heart Pavillion in Norfolk, Va, from a sudden illness. Camilla was born March 4, 1927 to James Edward “Capt. Eddie” McPherson and Louvinia Cartwright McPherson. She was the widow of Russell Maughan Hull, Sr. and mother of three children: Maughan, Dee and Mitch. She was a graduate and majorette of Elizabeth City High School, attended Louisburg College and then moved on to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She returned home to operate and manage Carolina Feed and Seed, the area’s first grain depository. Her business aptitude was also significant to the success and longevity of other family enterprises. She was an officer of the family’s partnership in McPherson Bottling Company of Littleton, NC (Pepsi), Old Mill Farms and later opened Hull House Antiques with daughter-in-law, Kay, and granddaughter, Whitney, which was inspired by her love for antiques and collectibles.

Camilla was well known in the community for her leadership, generosity, determination, as well as for her charming and endearing ways. She was blessed with many talents, beauty and the understanding of selflessness encompassed by the desire to share with her family, friends and community. Her boundless energy and zest for life was an inspiration to many, symbolic of her desire to fully endure every opportunity that life had to offer. Her spirit and exuberance were profound. She possessed an innate ability to make strangers feel welcomed and friends and family to feel loved.

Camilla was an active participant in the community. She was crowned Moth Boat Queen of Elizabeth City in 1948, a member of the Elizabeth City Women’s Club and a charter member of the Albemarle Hospital Auxiliary for over 43 years serving faithfully in every official capacity. She was an active participant in the Designer Showcase which allowed her to enjoy one of her favorite hobbies and talents, Interior Decorating.

Camilla had a passion for the arts. She served over 20 years, and as past president for the Pasquotank County Arts Council and was a pillar in its evolution to the Arts of the Albemarle. Her leadership and accomplishments as co-chairman of the steering committee are highly accredited to the purchase and renovation of the Chesson Building. She proudly served on the Arts of the Albemarle board of directors upon its founding.

Camilla was an avid bridge player. She loved nothing more than a competitive game of cards with her friends. She enjoyed traveling, the thrill of a good book, her niche in decorating and mostly the company of others. She always looked forward to social gatherings of both old friends and the prospect of new friends. The joy she found in companionship was most prevalent within her family. She was devoted to her maternal role as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her love for her acquaintances, friends and family was endless. She was “Mimi”, to many, and will long be remembered for her unselfish acts of love and devotion.

Besides her parents and husband, Camilla was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Dee Hull Everist, her sister, Lucille McPherson Kirkland, and her brother, Joseph Edward McPherson. She is survived by her sister Diana Gallop.

Left to cherish her memory is her two sons: Russell Maughan Hull, Jr. and his wife, Kay of Elizabeth City and James Mitchell Hull and wife, Elena of Locust Valley, NY. Additionally, loved in their own unique and special way are her 11 grandchildren: Whitney Paulett (Chris), Russ Hull (Courtney), Chad Hull, Hillary McCoy (Mike), Mac Everist (Brynn), Julia Everist, Jay Hull, Will Hull (Nancy), Teddy Hull, Gabriela Hull and Nicolas Hull. And her great grandchildren: Peyton, Liddy, Eleanor, Harper, Patrick, Graham, Camilla, Marin and Cole.

Camilla is also survived by loved and special friends: Lucy Johnikins, Arlene Lamb, Olivia Etheridge and Janice Dance.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Joe Casteel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arts of the Albemarle, 514 E. Main St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909 in honor of Camilla’s commitment to the organization. The Twiford Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, 405 E. Church St., Elizabeth City, NC is serving the Hull family. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.twifordfh.com.