AHOSKIE – Lola Morris Earley, age 99, of Ahoskie went to be with her heavenly Father on February 2, 2015 at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital of Ahoskie, NC.

She was born on December 30, 1915 to Andrew Jackson and Ora Saunders Morris in Lewiston, NC. She played basketball during her high school years, Lewiston-WoodvilleHigh School, being known to many for her athletic ability on the court. Lola married the love of her life, John Lawrence Earley, in 1938, where the two spent most of their time farming and selling home products for the Watkins Company.

She was a long time active member of Hickory Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church, serving as Sunday school teacher of young boys and girls, hosting bible studies at her home, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and a choir member for many years. Lola was a member of Hertford County Home Demonstration Club, in addition to serving as a food and nutrition leader. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, John Lawrence Earley, Sr.; her parents, Andrew and Ora Morris; her ten siblings; and granddaughter, Hope.

Left to cherish her memory is a daughter, Judy Northcott of Ahoskie; a son, John Earley, Jr. of Merry Hill; three grandchildren, John “Jay” Earley, III of Greenville, Patti Northcott Goetz of Aulander, and Jogina Northcott Russell and her husband Tommy of Greenville; five great grandchildren, Kyle, Breanna, Jason and his wife Jenny, Tyler, and Harley.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to her caregivers, Kathy Byrum, Ethlene Hill, and Janet Brown, all of Carolina’s Home Health Care.

Visitation will be held from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, and other times at her home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Hickory Chapel Original Free Will Baptist, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. Michael Williams officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557, or the American Cancer Society, 930 Wellness #B, Greenville, NC 27834.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Earley family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.