Jesse Hal Harris went to be with his Lord and savior on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born April 30, 1941, to Charlie Chester and Nancy Smith Harris and grew up on the family farm in Bell Arthur, NC. Jesse graduated from Winterville High School in 1959 and enlisted in the Army National Guard on August 17, 1959. He was honorably discharged on August 16, 1965. While in the National Guard, he served as a Specialist in the Battery C 4th Battalion.

Jesse married Marsha Forbes Harris on August 2, 1963. They started their lives together in Tarboro, NC. On October 14, 1965, they welcomed their daughter, Ellen, into the world.

Jesse was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Tarboro. He loved his church family and served on many committees including the Entertainment Committee, the Grounds Committee, and the Transportation Committee. He attended church regularly and could always be found with Marsha in their usual pew with other family members.

Two days after his wedding on August 4, 1963, Jesse started working at Hart Cotton Mill (later called Klopman and Ticaro). When the plant closed, he went to work for Sara Lee. Following an injury, he left Sara Lee and finished his working career with the Edgecombe County Schools’ maintenance department.

Jesse was predeceased by his parents, brothers David Harris (Trilby) and Jinnis Harris (Juanita), and nephew Ray Harris. He was also predeceased by his wife’s sisters and their spouses Loretta Harrell (Paul), Elizabeth Dennie (Paul Lee) and brother-in-law Bobby Coker.

Jesse is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Marsha Forbes Harris, daughter Ellen Harris Miller (Johnny), grandson, Jess Harrington Miller (girlfriend Rylie), and granddaughter, Jean Harris Miller, brother-in-law CG Forbes (Annette), sisters-in- law, Brenda Coker and Patricia League (Frank), and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Debbie Crews and Patricia and Frank League for all their help during Jesse’s dementia journey. Having their support daily made things a little easier to bear.

They would also like to thank Paula Ruffin for her medical advice during this time, Vernon Summerville who was at the home often, visiting and doing everything he could to help, and Ann Boone, who came almost daily to sit with Marsha and offer comfort.

Additionally, the family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, especially Angela, Missy, Denise, and Rickie for the compassion and kindness that was shown to them and Jesse during this time. They would also like to thank Ne’Asha Pettaway, a very special caregiver, who took wonderful care of Jesse. All of these ladies became family to the Harris family. With their help, Jesse spent his last days in peace and with dignity.

Finally, the family would like to thank the many friends who visited, brought food, and, most importantly, prayed for Jesse.

Services will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Trinity Baptist Church, 730 West Wilson Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Visitation will take place at 10:00 AM prior to the service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Edgecombe Memorial Gardens, 2879 US-258 South, Tarboro, NC 27886.

Flowers are welcomed, but, if preferred, donations can be made to:

Gentiva Hospice, 1712 W. Howard Avenue, Tarboro, NC 27886

Meal on Wheels at ECU Health Edgecombe, 111 Hospital Drive, Tarboro NC 27886