Margaret Elaine Whitley Harris, age 69, died Monday, March 18, 2013, at Wilson Medical Center, Wilson, NC.
Mrs. Harris was born in Como, in Hertford County, NC, on November 5, 1943, a daughter of the late Sadie Mae Burbage and R. Gilbert Whitley. She was a graduate of Murfreesboro High School and East Carolina University where she earned her teacher’s degree. Elaine taught school in Elm City, Wilson County Schools for fifteen years. Following her teaching she was Associate Director and Director of the Child Nutrition Programs for Wilson County Schools for another fifteen years, serving the Wilson County School system for 30 years. She was an active member of Elm City Baptist Church and also attended and participated in Buckhorn Baptist Church activities when she was in Como.
Besides her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her brother, R.O. ‘Dick’ Whitley. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Willie T. Harris, Jr. of the home; a sister-in-law, Crystal L. Whitley of Murfreesboro, NC; her nieces, Sharon Whitley Isley of Murfreesboro, NC, Sandra Whitley Banks and husband, Allan of Chesapeake, VA, Kathy Whitley Thompson and husband, Lee of Murfreesboro, NC, and Kelli Whitley of Troy, NC; her great nieces and nephews, Jordan Isley, Kayla Oliver and husband, Trey, Blake Isley, Logan Banks and wife, Melissa, Hunter Banks, Allie Banks, Kaitlyn Elaine Thompson and Danielle Thompson; and a great great nephew, Landon Oliver.
A celebration of life service will be conducted on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Buckhorn Baptist Church with the Rev. Sean Gallagher and Rev. Gene Wells officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and other times at Elaine and Willie’s home in Como. Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 3131 RDU Center Drive, Suite 100, Morrisville, NC, 27560 or the American Cancer Society, 930 Wellness Drive #B, Greenville, NC, 27834.
All who know and love E will know that she loved to share fresh Krispy Kremes will all. Many were the times she would bring them to Meherrin Tire for us. Just a few weeks ago after Danielle’s talent show, we saw her deliver a box to friends afterward. It was her trademark!
We will miss “E” so much. Love to Willie, Kathy, and families.
I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Harris. It can be emotionally difficult to endure the loss of a loved one, but take comfort in knowing that God cares for you and he can heal your broken hearts. – 1 Pet. 5:7, Ps. 147:3.
We were so sorry to hear about Elaine. She was a very sweet person. We were blessed to have her for an aunt.Hope we can stay in touch. May God bless you in your sorrow. The Silverthorne Family
sorry to hear of mrs. harris passing, my prayers are with you, i was a student of mrs. harris @ beddinfield hs, and then had the pleasure of working with her in wilson county schools what a wonderful teacher and director, she taught me some many things i will never forget God bless your family for sharing such a beautiful person with us.
sympathy and prayers e
I am so sorry for your loss. I still can’t believe Ms.Elaine is gone. She was a beautiful lady. May you find comfort in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior and you will be together again.Love and Prayers!!!
Willie & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that y’all are in my thoughts & prayers. Elaine will forever live on in your hearts & in the memories that you have. Remember when you see “A Star Blinking , It is An Angel Winking”. Love ya!
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ARE GOING OUT TO MRS. ELAINE WHITLEY HARRIS FAMILY, I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY. MRS HARRIS TAUGHT ME HOME ECONOMICS AND I TRULY ENJOYED, SHE WILL DEFINITELY BE MISSED.
Thinking of you and your family at this time. Ms. Elaine was a very special person to me and my family
Rest in Peace Mrs Harris!
she was my(Jackie) Home Economic teacher at Elm City HS,she was a great teacher,tough but gentle at the same time.(Janice) worked with her in the school system in Wilson Co.