Louise "Lou" Gilliam Harkey

Louise (Lou) Gilliam Harkey, 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 27, 2017 at Novant Hospital in Huntersville. Lou was born on November 25, 1928 to Claude Lovill Gilliam and Sallie Ruth Wallace Gilliam in Banner Elk. Lou worked for Telephone Answering Service until she retired. She was a member of Assurance United Methodist Church and volunteered and assisted with the church newsletters on Tuesdays.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Henry (Pete) Harkey; daughter, Barbara Harkey Kelly; sisters, Clara Gilliam House, and Claudia Dare Gilliams; and brother, Arlo Clifford Gilliam. She is survived by her son, Alan Harkey and wife Brenda; son-in-law, Kevin Kelly; grandchildren, Krystal Greer and husband Josh, Jack Harkey and wife Brittany, Amber Crum and husband Jason, and Jeff Harkey; great grandchildren, Kaylie and Jaycie Plummer, Sarah Greer, and Lianna and Bryson Harkey; niece, Monie Bean and husband John; and her favorite aunt, Odleen Perry.

Services for Lou will be held Monday, July 31 at 11:00am at Assurance United Methodist Church with a visitation one hour prior at 10:00am; officiating will be Reverends Lonnie and Susannah Pittman. Interment will follow the service at Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grandfather Home for Children, 158 Grandfather Home Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Offer condolences through forestlawnwest.com