Betty Jean (Smith) Harris

Betty Smith Harris, 88, of Deep Run, NC was received into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Joel McCray Harris; parents, Carl Leighton and Annabelle Dawson Smith and brother, Carl Leighton Smith.

Betty is survived by her children, Dawn Harris of Kinston, Diane H. Howard and husband, Tommy of Kinston and Donna H. Stroud and husband, Johnny of Deep Run; grandchildren, T. J. Howard and wife, Katelin, Ashley H. Eubanks and husband, Justin, Brad Howard and wife, Brittney, Olivia Stroud and Aubrey Stroud;  great-grandchildren, Paisley, Paxton and Talon Howard, Brayden, Brody and Brinley Howard, Cayson, Makenzie and Raegan Eubanks  and sister Faye Coleman; as well as many nieces, nephews and other close family members and friends.

She was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC where she met the love of her life, Joel Harris.  They married in 1957 and traveled for the six years he served in the US Coast Guard.  After his service was complete, they settled in Jacksonville, NC to raise their three daughters.  Upon receiving a promotion that would take them to Kinston, NC, they decided to make their forever home in Deep Run, NC where they continued to raise their family.

She retired from working in the office at South Lenoir High School.  She was loved by both faculty and students.  She adored the students and enjoyed going to Sam’s Club to buy candy to pass out to them.  Any student who stopped by her office for a visit would receive a smile, kind words and a piece of candy.  Her daughters have listened to many stories from the students she made a lasting impression on.  After retiring from South Lenoir High School, she volunteered at the Cheer Corner Gift Shop located at UNC Health Lenoir.  In her new position, she continued to pass out smiles and kind words to the staff and visitors and made many new friends.

When her husband died in 2004, she helped form a Widows Club to share camaraderie with others who were grieving like herself.  They dined out at various Kinston restaurants once a week and forged strong friendships.

She had a very generous spirit that went beyond her family and friends.  She supported many organizations such as World Vision, Operation Smile, Samaritan’s Purse and various animal rescue groups.

When she was able, she became a guardian angel to a colony of stray cats and fed them come rain or shine.  She leaves behind her beloved “Blue” who was one of the lucky strays that she took home.  She loved all animals and passed that trait down to her daughters.

She loved her Coca-Cola.  The only time her family saw her really upset was when they changed the formula in 1985 and introduced the New Coke.  She was so happy when they returned the original.

She loved Elvis Presley.  Lucky for her, many thought her husband bore a striking resemblance to him and could also sing like him.  During their courtship, he would sing “Love Me Tender” to her.

Her favorite pastimes included playing piano, reading, gardening, playing Farmville on Facebook and spending time with her family, friends and pets.

She was a woman of strong faith and instilled this in her family.  Although she loved attending church, she was unable to do so in her latter years due to declining health.  Her family is happy to know that she was received in the loving arms of the One who loved her the most, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

For the past three years, her daughter took shifts and provided her with 24 hour care in the

home after she suffered from a couple of strokes.  They made sure she was never alone and her every wish was fulfilled.  They returned to her the love and care she gave them when they were small.  She passed in the home surrounded by her family who hugged her, held her hands and loved her until the very end.

The family would like to thank Gentiva for the compassion and care they showed our mom and us.  We would like to extend a special “thank you” to Nan, Pam and Jayne.

Funeral services will be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home Friday, May 10, 2024 at 6:00 pm.  Burial to be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 am at Pinelawn memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lenoir County SPCA, 3200 US 258 North, Kinston, NC  28504