Clara Jo Hege

Clara Josephine, “Jo”, Miss Jo", "Mama Jo" Adams Hege passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the age of 100.

Jo was born on September 28, 1925, in Farmington, NC to William Charles "Will" Adams and Leona Katherine Caudle Adams. She was one of four children including sisters Maude Adams Kiger (Rob), Lillian "Sis" Adams McBride (Jay), and brother Paul Adams (Hazel) all of whom preceded her. 

As a Depression era child, she and her siblings enjoyed good and sad times with their cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.  She was quick to remember the times spent roller skating, having snowball fights, going to dances and sharing meals with neighbors.  Mama never missed an opportunity to share these memories with Pat, Robin and me.  

She married the love of her life, Lacy "L.E." Hege, Jr.  having met him months earlier at Clemmons School, where he and his band were playing county music.  The good-looking guitar player took his bride to his rural tobacco and vegetable farm, where together they made a life.  While having grown up in the city, Jo quickly took to the role of being a farmer's wife.  She and L.E. became known from Conrad Hinkle's to the Winston Farmer's Market and beyond for their German Pink tomatoes.  The farm provided opportunities to hire young local men looking for ways to earn a little extra cash.  Many would return to express their thanks.  

Jo was known for her cooking, which included homemade dinner rolls, pecan tarts, cakes and her secret recipe for tomato sandwiches.  In addition to her family, she was known for opening her table to people who helped on the farm or a neighbor who just happened to visit. She was also known for making treats to send to kids returning to college.  

Jo joined Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Lexington, N.C. where she remained an active member as long as health permitted.  She was the oldest living member of the congregation until her passing.  She loved her church and especially her Sunday School Class.  She was always willing to help as needed at church.  

Jo is survived by her devoted family, daughter Brenda Hege Fulton, grandson Ricky Fowler/Corey, and great grandchildren, Sophie and Ryder Fowler.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband L.E., daughter Patsy Hege Sims, son Robin Fowler, great granddaughter Hayleigh Fowler, sons-in-law James W. "Jim" Fulton and Sam Sims. 

The family extends a heartful gratitude to caregivers Jane, Joanie, Hope, Beverly and Brooke who brought joy, laughter and lots of love to Miss Jo. 

A sincere thank you to Abbotts Creek Center and to Hospice of Davidson County for their care during Mama's final months and to our friends and neighbors who were always there to us with your calls and visits.  

 The family will greet friends at Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Road, Winston Salem, NC from 4-6 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2025.  A Memorial Service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 on Sunday, December 28 with Pastor Rick LeBaube and Pastor Arkon Stewart officiating.  A private burial for family will follow.  

Memorials may be made to Mt Olivet UMC, 1082 Community Road, Lexington, NC 27295 or to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net