WILMINGTON — Emily Kay (Newton) Harris, born on November 15, 1935, in Currie, North Carolina, and a beloved resident of Lumberton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024, at the age of 88. Her departure follows a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Emily’s life was marked by a commitment to nurturing and teaching young minds as the Director of Trinity Baptist Day Care for many years. Her passion for education and child care left a lasting impact on countless families and children in her community.
Emily held a fervent admiration for NASCAR racing and was an avid fan of Richard Petty. Her enthusiasm for Duke basketball and her love for gardening were well-known among those who cherished her. However, her greatest devotion was to her family, whom she cared for selflessly. Her family fondly recalls her as their cornerstone and affectionately remembered her by various endearing names—Tub, Gee, G2, and Tutu.
A devoted member of Whiteville United Methodist Church, Emily was steadfast in her faith and spent many hours volunteering with the Columbus County Shrine Club. She was also a proud alumna of Long Creek Grady High School.
Emily was preceded in death by her parents, James Cornelius and Florence Katie Caison Newton; her son, John Sidney Harris, Jr.; her granddaughter, Misty Harris; and her nine siblings, Mary Pridgen, Maggie Powers, Florence Johnson, Irene Normann, Elbert Newton, Sr., Sivey Newton, Franklin Newton, Neal Newton, and John Edward Newton.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Robin Gilmore (Christopher) and Donna Harris; her cherished grandchildren, Ernie Clemmons (Lisa), David Clemmons (Laura), Addison Gilmore, Leslie Harris, Trey Harris, Elliott Harris, and Jessica Kissell; and her adored great-grandchildren, Austin Clemmons and Jordan Clemmons. Emily also leaves behind her dear sister, Betty Mae Rivenbark, and her sister-in-law and best friend, Sue Newton.
A memorial service to honor Emily’s life and legacy will be conducted on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, located at 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. The service will be led by her beloved nephew, Reverend Greg Newton.
Please leave memories and condolences for Emily’s family here.
