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Mrs. Louise Harrell Briley, age 87, a resident of Washington, NC died Wednesday October 9, 2024, at River Trace Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Louise Briley, better known as Ebe to friends and family, was a force of nature whose warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. Ebe was born in Edgecombe County on December 14th, 1936, to the late John Valentine Harrell and the late Alice Clark Harrell. On December 2, 1955, she married the love of her life, Herman “Ray” Briley who preceded her in death on October 21, 2016.

Our Ebe embodied the best of Southern grace—fiercely strong, endlessly kind, and always ready with a sharp wit that could light up any room. She was a woman of character, a beacon of love, and the glue that held her family together.

Ebe lived her life with joy and a deep love for her family. She was a devoted wife to Ray, a beloved mother to Patti and Stacey, and an adoring grandmother to Allison. Nothing made her happier than gathering her family around a table laden with food and games, filling the air with laughter and stories. Her home was a sanctuary, where every visitor felt like family and left with a full heart and a full belly.

In 1966 Ebe and Ray put down roots in Little Washington, North Carolina. Their partnership in life extended to work as they founded Washington Elevator Company. With dedication, hard work and a shared vision, they nurtured the business side by side for over 30 years.

She was known for her charitable heart, giving her time and energy to countless causes. Ebe’s acts of service often shed light on her adventurous spirit. In her 10 years as a beloved Girl Scout Leader, she took scouts hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail not once, but twice. When volunteering for the American Red Cross in retirement, Ebe and Ray travelled to Florida to provide onsite disaster relief post Hurricane Hugo. Closer to home Ebe could be found supporting Alpha Theta of Beta Sigma Phi where she was a past preceptor, serving numerous committees at First Christian Church, or quietly helping those in need. Ebe lived her life in service to others.

But it was her sense of humor that will be remembered most vividly. Ebe had a way of finding whimsy in the everyday, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. She was quick with a joke, never afraid to laugh at herself, and always ready to spread joy to others. Her laughter was contagious, her spirit unbreakable, and her legacy one of love, laughter, and light.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the time we shared with her and the memories we’ll forever cherish. Ebe leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who admired her, and a community forever changed by her kindness and generosity. She is preceded in death by two brothers, John Valentine Harrell, Jr., and Fred Mack Harrell and three sisters, Christine Fentress, Virginia Hudgins, and Betty Jean Spence. Survivors include her two daughters, Mrs. Patricia Barnes and husband Glenn, Mrs. Stacey Briley Pack and husband John both of Washington and one granddaughter, Allison Barnes Jones and husband Benton of Raleigh and one great-grandson, Harrison.

The family will receive friends from one hour prior to the funeral service at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home and will be officiated by Gillian Pollock. Burial will follow at Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Glenn Barnes, Sandy Blizzard, Lavern Mayo, John Pack, Benton Jones and Raymond Williams will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, or to the Christian Women’s Fellowship of the First Christian Church.

Condolences may be addressed to the family by visiting  www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Briley family.