Elaine Deloris Mims Harrigan, a cherished wife, mother, Godmother, sister, aunt, Soror, and friend, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, January 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born on December 15, 1945, in Edgefield, SC, as the eldest child of the late Inez
Beatrice Lloyd Mims Ross and the late Eddie Ree Mims. She grew up on her grandparents farm in Edgefield, where she learned the values of faith, family, and hard work. As a devoted member of Shaw’s Creek Baptist Church, Elaine was baptized at an early age, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service.

Elaine attended W.E. Parker High School from 1959 to 1963, where she excelled academically and showcased her talents as a member of the Glee Club, an alto saxophonist in the marching band, and an MVP point guard of the girls’ basketball team. She was also the founder of The Sevenettes, a close-knit group of seven friends committed to high standards of etiquette and scholarship. Their enduring bond remained a cornerstone of Elaine’s life.

After graduating in 1963, Elaine pursued a degree in Psychology at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC. She actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement and was proud of her involvement in a historic sit-in at the Orangeburg County Library, where she and her classmates were jailed for 17 days. Elaine often spoke of how she and the other
students requested their books while incarcerated, embodying their commitment to education and justice. During her time at SC State, she also joined the Criterion Club, an academic-focused sorority.

In 1965, Elaine met the love of her life, Rodney Emile’ Harrigan, during her high school homecoming. They were introduced by a mutual friend, the late Henry McCain, who attended high school with Elaine and college with Rodney. After a six-week courtship, they
were married on December 30, 1965. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, education, and community service. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Pamela Letice’ and Sherrice Elaine.

Elaine’s dedication to education and personal growth was unwavering. After moving to Augusta, GA, to support Rodney’s academic pursuits, she later completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Howard University in Washington, DC, where Rodney earned his Master’s degree. The couple celebrated this milestone with an elegant joint graduation party, setting a precedent for their lifelong commitment to family and fellowship. Elaine continued her education, earning a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Connecticut in 1982.

While living in Connecticut, Elaine worked as an Underwriter at Aetna Insurance Company and was excelling in her career. However, she made the selfless decision to sacrifice her corporate career aspirations to dedicate her time to educating her daughters and contributing to the public school system, where her impact on young lives was
immeasurable.

Elaine’s career as an educator was marked by her passion for nurturing and inspiring others. She served in various roles, including Vice Principal at King Phillip Elementary School in West Hartford, CT, Registrar at Bennett College, and Academic Advisor at NorthCarolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&TSU). Additionally, Elaine served as the director of the Intensive Summer Science Program (ISSP) at Bennett College for junior high and high school students during the summers of 1983 to 1986, leaving a lasting impact on young scholars by fostering their academic curiosity and potential.

Also, at both Bennett College and NCA&TSU, Elaine mentored young women as an Undergraduate Chapter Advisor for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, instilling in them a commitment to service and sisterhood.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Elaine was initiated into the
Federal City Alumnae Chapter on November 6, 1976. Her dedication to her sorority was reflected in her mentorship, community service, and the countless lives she touched through her leadership.

Elaine’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. A member of Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC, since 2000, she served as a Sunday School teacher, Black History Quiz Bowl advisor, and guest speaker. Prior to joining Providence, she served in many capacities, including Usher and Deaconess at White Oak Grove Baptist Church (NC), Faith Baptist Church (NC), and Shaw’s Creek Baptist Church (SC). She also served diligently in various roles within the Guilford Educational and Missionary Baptist Association (GEMBA), including director of the Baptist Training Union (BTU). At that
time GEMBA had a membership of 24 churches. Known as “A Great Encourager,” Elaine’s words uplifted all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Elaine’s legacy is one of love, faith, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. She
was a devoted wife to Rodney Emile’ Harrigan for 59 years; a loving mother to Pamela Letice’ Harrigan Young McCorkle (Isaac Darrell) and Sherrice Elaine Harrigan Alston (Bryan Keith); and a doting grandmother to Sophia Eleece Alston. She is also survived by her siblings: Beverly Marjorie Mims Wise Brown of Greensboro, NC; Eddie Donald Mims
(Lottie) of Utica, NY; Johnny Alvin Mims (Wendy) of Jacksonville, FL; Mary Linda Ross Roberts (Peter) of Peekskill, NY; Mary Loretta Mims-Smith of Laurel, MD; and Evonnette Lacy Ross Gray of Fairfield, AL; her sisters-in-law Patricia Anne Harrigan Villa of Winter
Park, FL and Kitty Harrigan of Greensboro, NC; Goddaughter Erika Mann Ragland (Maurice); Godsons Troy Stuart Jones and Cori Ge’rard Briggs (Candice); close friends Jacqueline Smith Varner, known as “Aunt Mommy” to Pamela and Sherrice; Dorothy McCain; Special Soror Daughters Kimm Waller Ware (Loyd) and Tabeier Shine Hamilton
(Corey), Special Student Son Sridar Chilikuri (Suneeta); and a host of cherished family,
friends, sorority sisters, and mentees.

Elaine’s life was a testament to the transformative power of love, faith, and service. Her light continues to shine through the countless lives she touched, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 12pm Providence Baptist Church 1106 Tuscaloosa Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11:30am.

Homegoing Service and Interment will be held: Friday, January 24, 2025 12pm Shaws Creek Baptist Church 331 Woodyard Road Trenton, South Carolina 29847. Interment will be at the Shaws Creek Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the Homegoing Service.

In Lieu of flowers, the Harrigan family would like donations to be made to Caregiver Connect, Inc. Website: caregiverconnect.online They accept cash and check donations made payable to Caregiver Connect, Inc. They receive mail at Caregiver Connect, Inc. 1301 Alamance Church Rd. Greensboro, NC 27406 They also accept credit card donations via their website - caregiverconnect.online via the green DONATE tab.