Jeanne Harris Tilley

Jeanne Harris Tilley, 86, of Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 4, 2026 following a period of declining health.

Jeanne was born August 23, 1940 in Statesville, NC, a daughter of the late Floyd Harris and Mattie Stevenson Harris. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in passing by a son, Steven Kent Tilley.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Charles Mark Tilley and wife Mirta; daughter, Robin Tilley Lail and husband, Hubert “Junior”; grandchildren Logan Tilley and fiancé Emi, and Josie Tilley; brother, Steve Harris and niece, Andrea Harris, and nephew Daniel Harris. Special friends and caregivers that will remember her dearly include Linda Absher, Chelsea Nicholls and Marcia Rowe. A special thank you to Marcia, her primary caregiver for the last 2 months.

Jeanne was a member of Monticello Baptist Church in Statesville, NC.

After graduating from Scott's High School, Jeanne worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Statesville. After moving to Morganton, she worked for many years at Drexel Heritage Furnishings Main Office and then for State Employees Credit Union.

Jeanne loved her flowers, loved watching and listening to Dr. David Jeremiah on her TV and cd player. She was an avid cat lover and she took care of each one that came to her home with love and compassion. Her special ones included Sammy Jean, Lucy, Callie, Tigger and Mattie.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice or Burke County Friends for Animals.

A private graveside service will be held at Burke Memorial Park.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.