Jane Cook Harris

Jane Cook Harris, 86, of Lexington passed away July 24, 2024.

A grave side service will be held at Forest Hill Memorial Park in Lexington, Friday, July 26 at 11:00 am.

Jane Cook Harris was born October 13, 1937, in Davidson County to C.M. “Dusty” Cook and Essie Tysinger Cook. She graduated from Lexington Senior High School in 1955. She received her NC Law Enforcement Officer certification from Schemburg Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Academy.

Jane was a voracious reader. As a former member of the Raeford’s Woman’s Club, she won the 1974 Governor’s Award for establishing a literary program in the Lumbee Indian community, assuring every child, birth to first grade, owned a book.

She was a part-time organist, director of the children’s choir and Sunday school teacher at Raeford United Methodist Church and, later, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church of Sanford.

Jane was a people person. Her inspiration, expression of faith and spirit endeared her to so many. She was a loyal, trusted friend, gifted seamstress and she loved to play bridge.

Jane battled cancer for 13 years with grace, dignity and strength, while continuing to travel with her beloved daughters. When not traveling, they enjoyed very competitive board and card games.

As long as physically able, Jane was a loyal office volunteer at First United Methodist Church of Lexington, active on the Member Care Committee and Circle 12 of UMW.

She served in State and County Law Enforcement for over 20 years, retiring from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department in December of 1985.

Jane loved spending time at the coast; it was her “happy place”. In recent years, her favorite trips were to Oak Island and Caswell Beach. This lead to her love and passion for sea turtles. She began learning about and following the conservation, protection, rehabilitation and plight of sea turtles along the North Carolina coast. She was so moved by the female turtles and the creation of their nests. On her final trip to Caswell Beach, Jane and her family were able to witness hatchlings and their journey to the sea.

Mrs. Harris was preceded in death by her parents, husband JC Harris Jr, brother, Bill Cook, sister Caroline McCree and son, Stephen Richard Morgan. She is survived by her daughters, Catherine Chipman (Jerry) and Holly Morgan, sister-in-law, Dot Cook, two grandsons, five great granddaughters and one great, great grandson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution in her name to one of her favorite charities: the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC, Cancer Services of Davidson County, Hospice of Davidson County or to First United Methodist Church of Lexington.

Condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net