Jean Flake Harris, 85, of Conetoe, NC, passed away on April 13, 2026.

Born on September 4, 1940, in Pitt County, to Sam Louis and Ruth Gray Flake, Jean graduated from Belvoir High School and East Carolina University and worked as an English, journalism, and business teacher for the Tarboro City Schools for thirty years.

After her career as an educator, Jean served her community as the mayor of Conetoe, as a Hospice volunteer, as a delegate with NC Senior Tarheel Legislature, as a volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging and the EL Roberson Center. She was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening and working in her yard, attending programs and book clubs with the public library, and spending time with her only grandchild.

She is survived by her daughter Deanna Harris, son-in-law Joseph Armstrong, and granddaughter Elizabeth Jean Armstrong, of Raleigh; her sister Edna Strickland and husband Jerry, of Urbana, MO; her sister-in-law, Ruby Porter, of Roper. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 51 years, Richard Franklin Harris; her sisters, Nell Beamon and Pauline Garris, and her brothers, Ernest “Buddy” Flake and Wayne Flake.

Visitation will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 4:00 - 7:00pm.

A memorial service will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys and Girls Home of NC, Edgecombe County Memorial Library, or a church or charity of your choice.