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Obituary For Elaine Deloris Harrigan
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.
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Lezlie Fort sent Celestial Love for Elaine Deloris Harrigan - January 17, 2025
To the Harrigan Family: Praying for you all during this difficult time, and greatly comforted by the memory of Mrs. Harrigan's warm smile and enduring grace. The Fort Family
John B Brown Jr sent Beautiful Dreams for Elaine Deloris Harrigan - January 17, 2025
To the Harrigan Family:Mrs Harrigan was a wonderful person with a gracious soul. Ben & Dorothy Brown
John B Brown Jr sent Beautiful Dreams for Elaine Deloris Harrigan - January 17, 2025
To the Harrigan Family:Mrs Harrigan was a wonderful person with a gracious soul. Ben & Dorothy Brown
10 Trees were planted in memory of Elaine Deloris Harrigan - January 18, 2025
My heart just dropped.... I was looking for arrangements for a co-worker when I say Mrs. Harrigan's obituary. Such a beautiful Woman of God. A true picture and elegance and grace, the sweetest personality. I just loved this lady. My prayer are with you Mr. Harrigan and your daughters. Bonnie B Moore
To the family and friends of Elaine what a beautiful and loving woman. A delight to be around her. May she rest in heaven and hold on to those wonderful memories. Jackie, Michael and Chris McMillan
To Pamela, Dr. Harrigan, and Family! My heart is saddene6d to hear of Mrs. Elaine's passing. My heart and prayers is with you during this time. The one opportunity that I had to meet Mrs. Elaine will be one of my most memorable times to cherish and she gave me a burst of life when I needed it with her hospitality and dancing at Pamela's wedding! The memory still bring a smile to my face 'til this day. One of my favorite quotes ""Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." "Grief is the price we pay for love." "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." "When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for yourself and your own delight." 1 Corinthians 15:55-58 - O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. Much Love Family and May GOD continue to be with you!
This is a simple message of LOVE to the family of my soror, my church sister, my Sunday morning hugger, my swing dance buddy and one of the my gracious and lovely ladies I came to know. I've missed her warm and welcoming smile over the past few years but feel comfort in knowing that she left the world a better place. And,Sophia-please know that your grandma's light here on earth maybe gone but she's just lit it in heaven to shine as she continues to watch over all of you.
To Mr. Harrigan, & to Pamela, & to the entire Harrigan Family,
Just sending a note of encouragement after learning of the passing of Mrs. Harrigan. She was a woman who helped uplift others, & helped brighten the lives of people whom she met. Will miss her, & the thoughts and prayers (collectively and individually) of the Fort family are with the Harrigan family. Clarke Fort
Dr. Harrigan, Pamela, Sherrice, and family. We are so very sorry for your loss, but you know her absence from you means she is present with the Lord. We will cherish the memories we made with Elaine and the rest of you as neighbors and friends since we first met in 1985. We love all of you, and will keep you in our prayers as you grieve your loss. May God continue to bless you. Dr. Johnny & Coralee Williams
Mr. Harrigan, Pamela, Sherrice, Isaac, Bryan and Sophia: We were so saddened to learn of Mrs. Harrigan's passing. Her warm smile and enveloping hug were something we always looked forward to whenever we saw her, especially during the Christmas holidays at Providence. Wherever she was, Mrs. Harrigan always made each person she encountered feel loved, cherished and a part of her wider family. We are privileged and blessed to have known her, and continue to pray for the Lord's comfort and care for you all during this time. Love, the Dr. Edward Fort family.
What a wonderful tribute to a person who lived a life of TREMENDOUS love and service to others in so many ways AND in such a wonderful manner! May Elaine's living be a living guidepost for all of us beyond this time of grieving. What comfort in having known her!! Cousins Jimmy and Carolyn Wideman
Dear Rodney and Family, I am saddened to hear of Elaine's passing. I still have fond memories of my early years of teaching in the Math/Computer Science Department at North Carolina A&T State University (1991-1995). I remember you and Elaine being two of the first to embrace and welcome me to the academy. I will cherish those precious moments that I shared with her, like the time she, Prof. Shearon Brown, and I went to lunch together. I just remember we spent a lot of time laughing and talking. Even after I left A&T, we would reconnect years later when you and I were both employed at Bennett College. Whenever I saw Elaine, she was like a breath of fresh air! And you complemented each other very nicely. Please know that I share in your grief and loss at this time. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things have passed away." ~ Revelation 21:4
We light this candle in loving memory of our dearly departed Soror and cherished friend. Sending heartfelt condolences to the Harrigan Family. Love, Harriet, Jillian and Jennifer
To the Harrigan Family, I am so sorrry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Harrigan. She was always smiling, upbeat and a positive beacon of light to everyone she encountered. May God give you peace during this time and provide you with a lifetime of cherished memories and love for your dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sorority sister, and friend. Love, Davetta D.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
