Evelyn Harris

Evelyn Marie Long Harris, 84, of Lexington, NC, passed away peacefully on January 17th, 2026. Born on November 3rd, 1941, in Winston-Salem, NC, she devoted her life to family, community, education, and the arts.

After earning her master’s degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Evelyn married the love of her life, Dr. Sam Harris, a beloved local physician who delivered countless babies in the community. Together they made their home in Lexington, North Carolina, where they raised their three children and managed a bustling farm of 250 Holstein cows for the Harris family's Three Hat Mountain Farm. Evelyn’s days were filled with caring for her family, tending to a menagerie of animals, and pouring her heart into the land and community she loved.

Inspired in childhood by Shirley Temple, Evelyn developed a lifelong passion for acting and performance. She became an accomplished actress and model, earning recognition, including winning the More Magazine Beauty Contest in 2013. Her love for the arts, combined with her dedication to service, made her a tireless advocate for the cultural and civic life of Lexington and the surrounding areas. In 2002, she was honored with the ATHENA Award, recognizing her as Lexington’s Woman of the Year.

Evelyn gave generously of her time and talents, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Davidson County Domestic Violence Board, Lexington Booster Club (President), Civic Center Board (President), Arts Council, Charity League, Civic Center Follies, Friends of the Theatre, Actor’s Charity Theatre, Davidson County Community College Board, PTA, and as Campaign Fundraising Chairman for the YMCA remodeling project. She was a founding member of the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival Board and chaired its annual gala. A devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church, she taught Sunday School and supported children’s programs for many years.

Her heart for service extended deeply into her family’s story. She served on the Heart of a Warrior Board, a fund dedicated to supporting military Special Forces in memory of her son, Navy SEAL Josh Harris. Among her greatest accomplishments was helping to found and lead the Lexington Youth Theatre, where she served as President. She fostered a nurturing environment where young people could build their artistic skills, gain confidence, discover their creativity, and form lifelong friendships. Evelyn mentored countless children, inspiring a love for the arts that will continue to echo through generations.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rowland and Margaret Long; her sister, Amy Long; her beloved son, Josh Harris; and her grandson, Beau Harris. She is survived by her husband, Sam, of 62 years; her son, Ranchor (Jessica); her daughter, Kiki (Lee); her sister, Penny (Randy); two grandchildren, Dylan and Chase; a great-grandchild, Sterling; and a great niece, Lila Parrish. She also leaves behind extended family, dear friends, and the many young people whose lives she touched through her work in the arts and community.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 23rd, at Grace Episcopal Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lexington Youth Theatre, honoring Evelyn’s lifelong commitment to children, the arts, and her community.

Her legacy of compassion, creativity, and service will continue to shine brightly in the community she loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lexington Youth Theater Donate Now - Enriching lives, one act at a time!

Grace Episcopal Church will be livestreaming Evelyn’s service on its Facebook Live webpage at https://www.facebook.com/graceepiscopalchurchlexington

Davidson Funeral Home Lexington Chapel is honored to serve the Harris family.