LOUISBURG - Helen Harris Kemp passed away peacefully at her home on April 7 in Louisburg, NC. 

She was born June 8, 1923, the youngest daughter of Rufus and Loretta (Reta) Harris of Louisburg.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years, Toliver Thomas Kemp, better known as T; a sister, Lucille Raper Mixon; half sisters, Louise Huff, Ada Corn, Maude Brock; and half-brother, Joseph Harris.

Helen will be remembered for her strong work ethic and keen business sense.  She graduated from W.R. Mills High School and went on to graduate from Louisburg College in 1943.  Her career as a railroad station agent began with Seaboard Airline Railroad, which later merged with Seaboard Coast Line, and continued until her retirement in 1988.  She worked in several towns in eastern North Carolina before she returned to live in Franklin County and continue her work in Creedmoor, Wake Forest, Franklinton, Henderson and Louisburg.  In her early days with Seaboard, she communicated by telegraph using Morse Code.  Her latter days were spent as a mobile agent.  After retiring, she helped her husband run their family business, Katesville Pallet Mill, until she was 87 years old.

For many years, Helen enjoyed camping and traveling in her motor home.  She enjoyed vacationing with her family in Ocracoke each summer.  She was known for baking pound cakes which she shared with family and friends.

She had a special love for flowers and wildlife, which she observed from the sunroom of the family home in her later years.  She also enjoyed her view of the cows grazing in the pasture behind her home.

Helen was a member of Louisburg United Methodist Church.  She had a passion for helping children and the elderly.

Mrs. Kemp is survived by her son David and his wife, Kim of Louisburg; and her daughters Gail Floyd and her husband, Stanley of Louisburg and Irene Mitchell and her husband, Steve of Bunn; granddaughter, Crystal White and her husband, Allen; grandson, Kevin Mitchell; and her step-daughters, Cora Blair and Peggy Land; and her step-sons, Abe Kemp and Roy Kemp.

A graveside service will be held 2pm, Wednesday, April 9 at Oakwood Cemetery in Louisburg with Rev. Madison Hankel officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service and other times at the home.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Louisburg United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 667, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

Paid Obituary