Mrs. Betsy C. (Cordal) Harris, 88, of Southern Pines, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at her residence. 

Betsy Cordal Harris was peacefully called home to be with the Lord at the seasoned age of 88, on December 17, 2025. She was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on July 18, 1937, to the late  Ernest and Artie Mae Cordal. She was the middle child of the three siblings.

In addition to her parents, Betsy was also preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Cordal, Jr., of New York, her sister, Vera Cordal Smith of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and her nephew, Dexter  Lamont Smith.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, Betsy attended Winston-Salem State Teachers College (now Winston-Salem State University), where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Early  Childhood Education.

While attending WSSU, Betsy joined the Concert and Marching Bands, several clubs, and worked as a Media Assistant in the school’s library.

After graduation, she became a life member of the WSSU Alumni Association. Betsy always enjoyed returning to the university for homecoming and renewing old friendships.

On June 14, 1964, Betsy Ann Cordal was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Donald Lee Harris, the love of her life. They were married for 36 years before he died in 1998. Out of this blessed union, one son, Donald Wesley Harris, was born. After her husband’s death, Betsy was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and faithful caretaker for her beloved mother-in-law, Annette Harris Gray, who  passed away in 1999.

Betsy served 35+ years as a primary school educator, having taught first, second, and third grades. However, her true love was kindergarten. She began teaching third grade at Willow Grove  School in Edgecombe County and continued at Southern Pines Primary School in Southern Pines, North Carolina, until she retired in 1993. During her tenure at Southern Pines Primary School,  she served as Assistant Principal for several years. She was the first African-American teacher in Moore County to serve in the state-funded kindergarten program for all children in North Carolina.

After retirement, Betsy became involved in Real Estate, building a duplex for students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also became a life member of the Moore County  Retired School Personnel. She served on several affiliated Boards and Committees related to children, the NAACP, and the Auxiliary for the Rufus McLaughlin American Legion Post #177 of  Southern Pines.

Betsy was a faithful member of Trinity AME Zion Church, where she served in many capacities: Steward and Stewardess Boards, Vacation Bible School, Missionary, and other areas of the church  wherever she was needed. She was widely known for her generosity, courage, and compassion for the unfortunate.

Will Always Remember ( A direct quote from Betsy) I’ll always remember the camaraderie with church members; I’ll always remember visiting with my extended family: the Hinton family; I’ll always remember Holiday celebrations with family and friends; I’ll always remember taking beach trips with family and friends; I’ll always remember looking forward to watching Carolina sports; I’ll always  remember seasonal decorating and entertaining; I’ll always remember the love of hospitality; giving gifts perfectly wrapped; I’ll always remember the love of my Chapel Hill family, friends and classmates; I’ll always remember the love of WSSU; I’ll always remember the joy and love from former students and parents; I’ll always remember my special relationship with Reverend Dr.  Dorothy S Johnson. I’ll always remember my special relationships with “The Girls.”

Those left to cherish fond memories of Betsy are, her son, Donald Wesley Harris (Beverly); three beautiful grandchildren, Aaron, Jamiel, and Bailey; one nephew, Lorne Smith; devoted family and  friends, especially Hugh Stroud.

Betsy’s favorite quote was: “Delight yourself in the love of the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Betsy C. (Cordal) Harris in your thoughts and prayers. 

Visit https://www.facebook.com/dccreativeconcepts OR http://www.youtube.com/@dccreativeinnovations for livestreaming of Mrs. Betsy C. (Cordal) Harris services on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Funeral at 12pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.