Pearl Trautman Harris Crocker

Pearl Trautman Harris Crocker, age 95 of Sylva, NC, went to be with her Lord Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville, NC.
She was born February 14, 1927, in Paris, MT, to Fred and Olga (Ruff) Trautman.

Though born in Montana and living her last 24 years in western NC, Pearl always considered Scotland Neck, NC and Henderson, NC (Vance Co.) her “HOMES”. Upon marrying in Chehalis, Washington, Pearl and Lawrence moved to Scotland Neck near his parents, WL Harris, Sr. and Annie J. Harris. Living there, they owned a dry-cleaning business, had their two children, and enjoyed family and close friends around them.  Moving to Henderson to buy Uncle Perry Harris’ dry-cleaning business, and later two others, their children finished school, left for college and both married.  Pearl and Lawrence retired and enjoyed a relaxed life, visiting family and traveling at their leisure.  After over 51 years of marriage, Lawrence died.  Two years later Pearl married Weston Crocker.  Weston died less than 2 years into their marriage.  Pearl then moved to Sylva, NC to be near her daughter, Donna, and family.  But not too far from Scotland Neck and Henderson.

Until just a few years ago, Pearl was an avid reader, often reading 2 or 3 books a week.  All her life, she enjoyed her yard. She was happy to mow, pull weeds, plant bulbs, move shrubs, cut, arrange, and share with others anything grown in her yard.  It was a quiet pleasure of hers to watch birds at her window feeders and to put together puzzles at that sunny window.  She enjoyed sewing, especially making quilts and other fabric creations.  She would stop doing all activities when she heard, “Let’s play cards!”

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, W. Lawrence Harris, Jr. of Henderson; former husband, Weston Crocker, of Henderson; 9 brothers and sisters; son-in-law, Tom Bommer; brothers-in law, Dennis M. Harris and James A. Harris, and sister-in-law, Doris S. Harris.

Pearl is survived by son, Scott L. Harris and his wife, Laurie of Hamilton, IL; daughter, Donna Harris Bommer of Sylva; sister, Lillian Foster of Sacramento, CA, sister-in-law, Fran Harris of St. Pete; grandchildren, Jason Scott, Annie B. Scott, Daisy B. Talbert; and three great-grandchildren.

Time of private service will be announced to friends and family