Obituary: Louise Davis Harper

Louise Davis Harper of Woodington Township passed away peacefully Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Magnolia cottage where she spent the last season of her long, beautiful life of 101 years. She was born on December 17, 1924 to Ernest and Nancy Stanley Davis. Louise was next to the last in the birth order of seven children.

Growing up on the family farm in the Moss Hill District of Lenoir County, North Carolina, Louise spent her childhood days helping with farm chores and attending Moss Hill School from which she graduated. During World War II, Louise was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and worked in Washington, DC until the sudden death of her younger sister. At this time, she decided it was best to move back home to be near her parents and to her future husband who would soon be returning from the war. On January 19, 1948, Louise married her soul-mate, Edson Earl Harper; they both cherished their 65 years of marriage until Earl’s passing in 2013.

Louise was employed with First Citizens Bank of Kinston, NC for a number of years until she decided to resign to become a full time homemaker and to help her husband on the family farm. Louise would later return to First Citizens Bank in 1965 until Southern Bank and Trust opened in Deep Run, NC and she worked there until she retired.

Over the years, Louise enjoyed traveling and dancing with her husband. Her favorite pastimes were sewing, photography, working in her garden and greenhouse, watching Atlanta Braves baseball and spoiling all her animals (especially JJ, her beloved dachshund). Louise relished her shopping trips and always appreciated a good pair of shoes! She was an excellent cook and made her famous pancakes and sausage for her grandchildren who all have fond memories of “panks” and sausage at grandma’s. They were the best!

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, and her doting husband, Edson Earl Harper, Sr.; an infant son, Edson Earl Harper, Jr.; four sisters, Elizabeth Marie Davis, Edna Harper (Jack), Reba Howell (Frank), and Ruth Howard (Bob); and two brothers, Maurice Davis (Hazel), and Horace Davis (Laura).

Survivors include son, Leslie Earl Harper and wife Dina of Woodington Township; grandchildren Jackson Earl Harper (Lauren) of Winterville, Joshua Simpson Harper (Ashley) of Goldsboro, John Blake Harper of Woodington Township, and Josie Harper Simpson (Noah) of Beulaville; great grandchildren, Heidi Reese Harper, Beau Thomas Harper, Emerson Louise Harper, and Pender Van Harper; former daughter-in-law, Mona Norris Williams (mother of Jackson and Joshua Harper); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Louise was blessed with many beautiful and loving caretakers over the years and the family is forever thankful for these wonderful ladies who helped bring joy and life to her every day. Funeral service will be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, Wednesday, September 23, 2026, beginning at 1:00p.m., with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Whatley presiding. Interment to be held at Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lenoir County SPCA, 3200 US-258 N, Kinston 28504, or charity of choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Magnolia Cottage as well as the staff at Gentiva Hospice for their excellent caretaking of Louise. Online condolences may be sent to howardandcarter.com

Job 5:26 - “You shall come to your grave at a ripe old age, like a sheaf of grain gathered in its season.”