Pauline Harper Short

RALEIGH - Pauline Harper Short, age 99, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Falls River Court, a memory care facility, in Raleigh, NC. Born in Nash County, NC on March 5, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Percy Merritt Harper and Sallie Lou Tunstall Harper, at the family farm in Castalia, NC. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Jefferson Short; her grandson-in-law, John Preston McConnell, Jr.; her great-grandson, Skylar Gauge Davis; her brothers, George Glenwood Harper and Alfred Merritt Harper; and her sister, Minnie Marie Harper Jolly. Pauline was intensely committed, deeply thoughtful, and unwaveringly loyal. She was remarkably intelligent. Indeed, until her serious fall in the Spring of 2020, she completed daily crossword puzzles, studied a daily devotional, balanced her checkbook to the penny and lived a completely independent life in her home in Nashville. She possessed a quiet belief in God which manifested itself in many acts of kindness and compassion and an unconditional devotion to her family and friends. On December 31, 1943, Pauline married the love of her life, Charles Jefferson Short. They enjoyed 42 wonderful years together until his untimely death in 1985. They had two children, Billy Glenwood Short and Pamela Harper Short Bond. Pauline loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved lunch dates, visiting her farm and old home place and reminiscing about her life on the farm with her family and friends. She shared many stories with those fortunate enough to be in her company and taught many life lessons. Her life as a testament to growing old with dignity, humor, and grace. She was a lifelong member of Nashville Baptist Church. For many years she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a Sunbeam and Cub Scout leader. We will forever remember this amazing woman who graced our lives in so many ways for as long as she lived! We will remember her spirit, her love, her acerbic wit, and resilience in times of trial. She was a survivor. She always rose to the occasion. She fought the good fight! Pauline is survived by her son, Billy Glenwood Short and wife, Linda, of Red Oak; her daughter, Pamela "Pam" Short Bond and husband, David, of Raleigh; her grandchildren, Lindy Short Adams, Amanda Short Myers and fianc, Shane Killebrew), Annie Lynn Freeman, Scotti Bond McConnell, and David Abram Bond, II; her great-grandchildren, Brandan Chance Medlin, Landin Chance Short, Harper Gray McConnell and Mary Charles McConnell; and her sister, Betty Jean Fisher. She is also survived by very special friends who watched over her from a distance, insured that she was well, yet respected her fierce independence, offering assistance as needed. A Funeral Service to celebrate Pauline's life will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856, with Rev. Kenny Byrd officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Nashville Baptist Church. The family expresses special thanks and gratitude to the staff at Falls River Court who provided love, respect, and care during her two years there and to Amedisys Hospice who treated her with dignity and insured her final days were comfortable and calm. They were also a great source of support both emotionally and spiritually to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Pauline's memory to the Pauline Harper Short Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o Nash Community College, P. O. Box 7488, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565; or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Nashville Baptist Church Sanctuary 512 E. Washington Street Nashville, NC 27856 Wednesday 7/20, 10:00 am - 10:45 am A visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Nashville Baptist Church. Service Nashville Baptist Church 512 E. Washington Street Nashville, NC 27856 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-459-3403 --> | Wednesday 7/20, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm A Funeral Service to celebrate Pauline's life will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856, with Rev. Kenny Byrd officiating. Cemetery Forest Hill Cemetery 350 North 1st Street, Ext. Nashville, NC 27856 Wednesday 7/20, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery.