Jewel Lee Oliver Hatlestad, born September 19, 1930, in Kinston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully February 16, 2025, at the age of 94. She was the beloved daughter of the late Mae Bell O'Steen and Samuel Brent Oliver Sr. Jewel grew up in a large family with her ten siblings.

She and her late husband, Virgil Alfred Hatlestad shared 49 wonderful years together, raising their three children – Wanda, Brent and Brian – in Swansboro, NC. Jewel dedicated her career to public service working as a secretary for Mayor Teachey of Jacksonville, NC.

A woman of deep faith, Jewel and Virgil were founding members of Saint Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, where she served as a devoted volunteer organist for over 20 years. Their love of literature and community also led them to open and operate Michele's Bookstore in Jacksonville, NC.

Jewel was preceded in death by her siblings; her husband Virgil; her son Brian; her grandson Sean; and her companion, Amos. She is survived by her daughter, Wanda of Cornelius, NC; her son Brent and Debby of Jacksonville NC; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Jewel's legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Graveside Service will be Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

Donations to her memory can be sent to Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 1115 Lejeune Blvd Jacksonville NC 28540.