Elizabeth Long Welch Harrison

Elizabeth Long Welch Harrison, 89, of Rockingham, passed away Friday, December 3, 2010 at Hospice Haven in Rockingham. Mrs. Welch was born July 21, 1921 in Hamlet, NC, a daughter of the late Irving B. and Mattie Gibson Long. Mrs. Harrison was preceded in death by her husbands, Cleo Welch and Robert Harrison; brothers Irving Long, Alex Long, and Ernest Long. She is survived by 2 sons, Jimmy Welch and wife Judy of Hamlet, Bobby Welch and companion Cathy Harrell of Franklin, NC’ 1 granddaughter, Laura W. Gillespie and husband Bruce of Charlotte; 2 grandsons, David B. Welch of Oak Island, Robbie Welch of Hamlet; 1 great grandson, David J. Welch of Myrtle Beach, SC; 2 great granddaughters, Kaleigh Welch of Charlotte and Maggie Gillespie of Gastonia; and a host of devoted nieces and nephews. Mrs. Harrison was a loyal and devoted employee of Carolina Power and Light Company ( Progress Energy) for 33 years, having managed offices in Wadesboro, Hamlet, Southern Pines and Rockingham. She enjoyed traveling, all sports, especially the Atlanta Braves and all Richmond Raider athletics. She also loved her family, both immediate and extended: and enjoyed all occasions with them. Mrs. Harrison also loved her church, Glenwood United Methodist Church, where she was a member for 58 years, having been an active member until her recent illness. She also enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and had been president of the United Methodist Women. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Glenwood United Methodist Church with Rev. Joel Perry officiating. Interment will follow in Richmond County Memorial Park. The family will see friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Monday at Carter Funeral Home and at other times at the home at 330 Lumyer Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glenwood United Methodist Church 189 County Home Rd. Rockingham, NC 28379 or to Richmond County Hospice Haven, 1119 US Hwy 1 N., Rockingham, NC 28379. The family would like to thank everyone for all the phone calls, cards, food and support from our friends and family. Words cannot express our feelings and deepest thanks.