Melva Rose Haberstumpf

May 22, 1945 – July 28, 2026

On Tuesday, July 28, Melva Rose Haberstumpf, formerly Melva Rose Hampton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior after a brief battle with cancer. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly and a devoted team of hospice nurses, at the age of 81. Rose lived her faith every single day, and she now rejoices in the promise she held onto her whole life — that she would be received in Heaven by her Savior, face to face at last with the One she served so faithfully here on earth.

Rose was born on May 22, 1945, in Roseboro, North Carolina, the only child of Pearl and Ordway Johnson. She graduated from Union High School and went on to attend East Carolina University, carrying with her a curiosity and warmth that would serve her well throughout her life.

Rose spent much of her professional life working for the State of North Carolina in various capacities, most notably at the Agency for Public Telecommunications — a job she cherished, not only for the work itself but for the many dear friends she made and adored there. After retiring from the State, she joined her late husband, Wade Daniel (Danny) Hampton, Jr., at his company, Direct Call, continuing to build a life of purpose and partnership alongside him.

In the kitchen, Rose was nothing short of remarkable. A gifted cook and baker, she won countless ribbons at the NC State Fair for her baking, and she delighted in spoiling everyone around her with her culinary treats and goodies. To know Rose was to be fed by Rose — her table, like her heart, was always open.

But it was Rose's boundless kindness that truly defined her. As a teenager, she delighted in volunteering to read to, run errands for, and drive students at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, giving of her time long before it was asked of her. That same spirit of service carried her through a lifetime of faithful church involvement, as she poured herself into whatever community of believers she called home. For many years, that home was McCuller's Community Baptist Church, where she especially treasured her time stocking the church's food pantry, making sure no neighbor went without.

Those who knew Rose often said she loved like Jesus. She was quick to forgive and slow to judge, and she knew no enemies. When she sensed that someone was hurting or in need, her instinct was never criticism — it was more love. She met pain with compassion and struggle with grace, always believing in the power of kindness to heal. Her hands — whether in service, in the kitchen, or simply held out to someone in need of comfort — never failed to find a way to touch others.

Rose is preceded in death by her parents, Pearl & Ordway Johnson; her in-laws, Ruth & Wade Hampton; her husband of 34 years, Wade Daniel (Danny) Hampton, Jr.; and her stepson, Michael Haberstumpf.

She is survived by her loving husband, Randy Haberstumpf, and her children — some by blood and some by blessing — Tamara Carr of Willow Spring, NC; Kevin Nunnery (Ashley) of Youngsville, NC; Brian Crocker (Michelle) of Virginia Beach, VA; Keith Hampton (Debbie) of Creedmoor, NC; Lynn Thomas (Jon) of Lillington, NC; Kathryn Westcott (Michael) of Snow Camp, NC; Curtis Staggs of Spartanburg, SC; Theresa Musses (Isabelino) of Goldsboro, NC; Michele Bergman (David), of Goldsboro, NC; Crissy Haberstumpf of Pinehurst, NC; and LuAnn LeCronier (Greg) of Lillington, NC.

She also leaves behind 24 beloved grandchildren: Jessica Eubanks (Timothy), Kristin Carr, Alex Carr, Amy Collins (Shawn), Josh Nunnery, Nathaniel Thomas, Brendon Crocker, Jacob Crocker, Courtney Reed (Ethan), Christopher Westcott, Cooper Westcott, Anthony Musses (Samantha), Christina Musses, Rachel Rosenhan (Mark), Rebekah Musyenene (Patrick), Naomi Bergman, Peyton Haberstumpf, Jett Haberstumpf, Daniel LeCronier, Kaitlyn LeCronier, Marcus LeCronier, Jordan LeCronier, Isabelle, and Jaxon; along with nine cherished great-grandchildren: Storm, Kayla, Chance, Skye, Cheyenne, Ellia, Adalee, Zaylen, and Aspen. She also leaves behind a four-legged "stepson," Ziggy, the lovingly bonkers labradoodle who came bounding — big, goofy, and clumsy — straight past her firm, lifelong policy of "no dogs in this house," and adored her so completely that she couldn't help but love him right back.

Rose's legacy is not one of things, but of love given freely and without condition — a life spent in quiet, joyful, and faithful service to God and to everyone she met.

Funeral Services

A visitation and viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, on Monday, August 10, at McCuller's Community Baptist Church, 133 Rand Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Graveside interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC.

Flowers may be sent to Montlawn Funeral Home or directly to the church. For those wishing to honor Rose's memory in lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to make a donation to McCuller's Community Baptist Church, in support of their community outreach efforts — a cause so dear to Rose's own heart.

Rose will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Until we meet again, rest in the arms of your Savior, sweet Rose.