Peggy Dement Harris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, family matriarch, and friend to many, passed away at 93 with her family by her side on April 17, 2026. Daughter of Claude and Helen Dement, Peggy grew up in East Durham, NC and attended Durham Public Schools.

A beautiful and outgoing young woman, Peggy met the love of her life, Gene Harris, at the Long Meadow Park pool. They soon fell in love and wanted to elope to SC but instead were married in the parsonage of their pastor. With no money for a honeymoon they drove away from the wedding to their tiny apartment and had a fender bender after sliding on the icy roads. It was a humble start to an amazing marriage that endured for 74 years.

Gene and Peggy began a family of their own a few years later. Their daughter, Pam was born, followed a couple of years later by their son, Tim. Peggy was always a good mother, selfless in loving and serving her family, even making clothes for Pam while both she and Gene worked to support them financially. Peggy was employed by Wrights Machinery, which became Sperry Rand Corporation, and then Honeywell. She excelled in her job and was promoted repeatedly. She became one of the company’s earliest female managers.

Gene and Peggy were inseparable, building built deep relationships over the years with

friends from high school, neighbors, churches, square-dancing friends, and residents of their retirement community. Their closest friends were known as the Clique. They were so close they all built homes together in the same neighborhood. Throughout their lives, Peggy and Gene continued to gather friends from all over the world.

Church was always important to their family. Peggy and Gene were very active members wherever they were, and Peggy always loved singing in choirs. They made sure their young family fully participated at Angier Avenue Baptist Church in Durham.

After working and raising their family, Gene and Peggy lived retirement very well. They traveled in a camper several months annually, finding a wonderful retirement community in Okeechobee, Florida. Upon moving there, Peggy discovered she really liked golf. She played with friends almost daily and actually made a hole in one before Gene did.

After many happy years in Florida it was time to be near family. They returned to NC in 2018 and settled in Creedmoor. They joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where Peggy was an active member of her Sunday School Class.

Even in advanced age, Peggy exercised her considerable intellect. She loved learning new things, was a voracious reader, and was unusually tech savvy. When Gene grew ill and entered Hospice, Peggy was his primary caregiver. She cared for him with love and devotion until the day he died.

Peggy will always be remembered as a loving and kind person. She was adored by her grandchildren and made sure they always knew she loved them and was proud of them. That same love and care was extended to all of her family and friends. We will miss her every day.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Tommy Dement and Laverne Seagroves. She is survived by her daughter Pam Karriker and son-in-law Dub, her son Tim Harris and daughter-in-law Theresa, her sister Rita Rackley, her grandchildren Emily Harris, Rick Harris, and Marie Quick, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear relatives.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor with the Rev. Dr. David Herman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Peggy Harris loved well and she was well loved.