Edna Tolston Harper

Ruth Edna Tolston Harper passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2010. She was 96 years old and had lived a long, healthy and productive life. She was born December 12, 1913 in Edgecombe County, daughter of the late Richard Thomas and Claudia Powell Tolston. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Kindred Harper; brothers, William T. Tolston, Frank "Buddy" Tolston, Harvey J.Tolston, Ernest E. Tolston; and sisters, Helen T. Poe, and Verna Harrison Smith. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son, Joseph R. Harper and wife Jeanette of Wilson; daughter, Julia Mae Tingen and husband Johnny of Walkertown; 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Erlene T Williams of Battleboro and Joyce Kfoury of Lawrence, MA; and brothers, Linwood Tolston of Kinston, and Maurice Tolston of Rocky Mount; and sister-in-law, Margaret J. Tolston of Elm City and many nieces and nephews including her special nieces, Vicki T. Boykin and Gwen T. Davis and husband, Grady. After graduating from West Edgecombe High School, Ruth worked in retail in downtown Rocky Mount. Ruth and her husband, Joseph farmed for many years in the Benvenue area community. She was a loving and nurturing woman who dedicated her life in caring for her family and others. She was a talented wood worker and basket weaver. She was also an avid gardener who enjoyed selling her produce at the local curb market. Ruth was an active member of Falls of the Tar Primitive Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. For the last 10 years, Ruth resided at Spring Arbor of Rocky Mount where she remained active and reigned as the "Queen of Bingo" She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family will receive friends and relatives from 7-8:30p.m.Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A funeral service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held at 11:00a.m. Friday, July 16, 2010 in the funeral home chapel with Elder Autry Pridgen of Falls of the Tar River Primitive Baptist Church and Mr. Nelson Leggett of First Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations in her memory to your favorite charity. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care and support from the staff of Spring Arbor of Rocky Mount and also a special thanks to Dr. David Browder for his special care and dedication to Ruth and her family. Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and condolences to the family by visiting www.wheeler-woodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 7/15, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 7/16, 11:00 am Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801