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.
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So sorry to hear the passing of Jeanne. She was such a a wonderful lady. I worked with her at Drexel Heritage. We had a lot of laughs and fun together. My condolences to her family and God's peace be with her family.
I am so heartbroken to hear of Jeanne's passing. The woman I knew was mother to my friend, Robin, and a kind and loving neighbor. As a little girl, I was often over at her house. She was there to watch over us as we played together, growing up as next-door neighbors. I have nothing but fond memories of her, along with her children, and her dachshund so many years ago. My condolences to Robin and Mark. I loved your mom!
I am sorry you had to suffer through your illness, you are now with your family and will not hurt anymore. I miss our nightly talks and the time we had together on the phone. Rest in peace, my friend.
Im so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. I worked with her at the State Employees Credit Union. She was a treasure & she loved bringing her baked goods to share at work. My parents lived down the road from her & I would always look for her outside with her cats as I passed by going to their house who sadly have both passed. I retired in February this year & lived with mom taking care of her. Sadly she passed April 2nd, 2 days before her 89th birthday. It's been so hard loosing her as she was my last living parent and they were always my best friends. I know the pain you're going through & I'll be praying for your family. Jean was a true blessing with a Big personality & sense of humor that matched her beautiful red hair. 🙏♥️
I am so sorry to hear of Jeanne's passing. She was a very special lady, and I enjoyed working with her at SECU. She was always so sweet and caring. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers!!
Robin, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet and get to know your mom. She was a sweet lady and I will always cherish my memories of her. Love you my friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Jeans passing!! She was a wonderful lady & an awesome friend to my mother Thelma!! I will keep each of you in Thoughts & Prayer!! Love you all!! 😇🛐📖🕊️🙏🏻✝️❤️🌹
Jeanne was a very special lady!!! We connected right away after meeting. She was always so friendly and compassionate!! I will always cherish her friendship!!! Rest in peace!!!
Hey Jeanne, I'm so glad to have known you and appreciate the time we had to hang out. You're the best! Much love and many hugs to your friends and family. Love you, Ellen
Dear Mark and Robin, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I love the photo that you used because that is exactly how I remember her when we worked together at Drexel Heritage. She was so pretty, smart and fun to be around while always getting the job done. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.