Mary Lou Harris, 71

Mary Lou Harris, 71, of Hendersonville was carried into glory at 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Pardee Hospital.

She was born Sept. 29, 1942, in Henderson County to the late Drayton Alexander Osteen and Lola Ballard Osteen. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy O. LaWall, Willa Holbert; infant brother, Rudolph Martin Osteen; brother, Drayton Lee Osteen.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mrs. Harris graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1960. She retired from Duke Energy in 1997 after 25 years of employment. She was a lifetime and faithful member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she was saved and baptized in 1953. She held many offices within the church and was currently serving as a Sunday school teacher. She loved traveling, RVing, camping, and the beach, where she was a part-time resident in Ocean Isle.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Kenneth J. Harris of the home; two sisters, Helen O. Jones and husband, Leslie "Sonny" of Zirconia, Catherine O. Blount and husband, Charles of Marion; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gail Clary and the caregivers in the ICU at Pardee Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Zirconia with Rev. Billy Lewis, Rev. John Saunders, and Rev. Howard Cabe officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

"Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last".

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 3582 Mount Olivet Road, Zirconia, NC 28790.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.