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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Family of Jeanne It is with my deepest sympathy at the passing of a dear friend, Jeanne. We went through high school and through our adult years as friends. We were majorettes together at Scotts High School, graduated with the Class of 1958, and kept in touch through the years. She was a joy to be with and was up-beat about life and was always cheerful and smiling. Jeanne will be missed by all who knew and loved her. RIP dear friend.
My Dearest Jeanne. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and aiding you as best as I could for the past 2 months. I met you July 5th and lost you September 4th. Much too soon. I enjoyed watching you smile when you ate my Pintos, fried squash, fried potatoes (hash browns, potato patties), tomato biscuits. I could tell that you cared when you would say,”Your back is hurting, come sit and rest and let’s talk”. I enjoyed it as much as you did. Fly high Sweet Friend. See you soon.❤️
Robin Hugs and prayers for you