Leila Rhodarmer Harkins

Leila Fern Rhodarmer Harkins 85 years old of Canton was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, partner and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and compassion.  Her journey through life was marked by an unwavering dedication to her family and friends.  Leila lived in Canton, North Carolina, and passed away at her home on May 22, 2024.

She was born in Waynesville on April 2, 1939 to Dewey and Edith (Smathers) Rhodarmer. Leila graduated Blanton’s Business College in Asheville and worked for Haywood County Department of Social Services, where she was promoted up the ladder from receptionist to Case Worker until retirement in 2006 after 31 years.  Leila volunteered at Haywood Regional Hospital after retirement.

Leila was a devoted mother to Kevin Norris and Angie Norris Henley, her pride and joy. She always said their birth changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the love and support she provided.

Leila took special joy gardening in her flower beds and working in the yard.  She was a terrific dancer and had a great sense of humor.  She loved her church family and singing in the choir at Morning Star UMC. She enjoyed everyone she met while following her grandchildren and supporting them in all their activities, including dance recitals and ball games.

Leila was preceded in death by her father Dewey Rhodarmer and her mother Edith Smathers Rhodarmer and is survived by the love of her life and partner of 25 years Herbie Singerman.  One brother, Scotty Rhodarmer and Martha, daughter Angie Henley and Matt, son Kevin Norris and Rene’; three grandchildren Will Norris, Landon Henley and MaeAnna Norris, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.  Other significant others in her life were Brandon Singerman and Leslie; Nathan Singerman and Ann and their children Brewer, Gabriel, Bastien, Zavier, Darien. 

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a memorial will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, NC on Sunday, May 26 beginning with visitation at 2:00 pm followed by the service at 3:00 pm.  We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering this loving and kind-hearted woman.  Donations to Morning Star United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund in her name are appreciated.

The care of Mrs. Harkins has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.