Mrs. Harris was born on Feb. 14, 1925, in Cartersville, daughter of the late Minnie Othella Donahoe Payne and Ernest Silas Payne.
Aileen was a graduate of Cartersville High School where she was voted "Miss Cartersville High School" in 1942. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Wilmington and as an accomplished piano player, Mrs. Harris volunteered her time and talent to local nursing homes for over 20 years.
Including her parents, Aileen was preceded in death by her husband of over 40 years, Bill Harris; three brothers, Al Payne, Harold Payne and Bob Payne; sister, Catherine Payne Smith.
Aileen is survived by her children, Hank Harris and his wife, Peg of Raleigh, N.C., and Cathy New and her husband, Robert of Wilmington; grandchildren, Alice Harris Fulmer of Denver, Colo., Ashley Harris Hammack of Asheville, N.C., Adam Henry Harris of Charlotte, N.C., Aaron Payne Harris of Cary, N.C., James New and Sarah New, both of Wilmington; great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Adeline Hammack and Andrew Fulmer; nieces, DiAnne Smith Monroe, Martha Sue Smith Vaughn and Aileen Smith all of Cartersville.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at the First Christian Church, 2035 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. A Funeral Service will follow at 2 p.m. with Dr. Lance Perry officiating.
Graveside service will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 2035 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403.
The staff of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Aileen Payne Harris.