Tributes

Mother Locke embarked on her life's path on January 18, 1947. She was born in Pitt County to the late George and Rittie Morning. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00 p.m., she peacefully departed this earthly life at ECU Greenville Hospital, as God in His wise providence closed the final chapter of her life, after a courageous battle with her medical conditions. Mother Locke was raised by her sister Allie G. Highsmith and husband Roosevelt Highsmith at an early age. She grew up and was educated in the Pitt County Schools. She had a variety of jobs, however she spent most of her years working in textile factories as a skilled sewing machine operator. She was well known for her strong work ethic and upbeat spirit. Mother Locke accepted Christ at an early age. During her spiritual journey she became a devoted member to Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Faithfully attending church, she joined the Saint Paul choir and later was appointed as a mother of the church. She was committed to the appointment as a mother until she began to experience a decline in health and her earthly body began to weaken. Mother Locke was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John “Tot” Locke, her three brothers and four sisters, Willie Grimes, James B. Grimes, George Morning, Jessie Hodges, Allie G. Highsmith, Dorothy Blount and Alice Marie Maye; one grandson, O’Keefe Locke. Mother Locke leaves to cherish her memories, her three sons, Perry Kendall Locke (Michelle), Tarboro, NC, Delrosol Locke (Antoinette), Oak City, NC, Malcolm Bryant (Toni) Orlando, FL; eleven grandchildren: Kalisha Locke, La’Chelle Locke, Marquias Locke, Tannetta Council, Kameron Dickens, Natassia Locke, Tyreek Silver, Dwayne Bryant, Juwaan Easley, Talaya Bryant and Antonio Spruill; eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Annie Louise Davis, Norfolk, VA, Rosa Paige (William), Wallingford, CT; one brother-in-law, Pender Locke Jr.(Pearlie), Oak City, NC; four sisters-in-law, Cherry Wilson, Florence Bryant, Bernice Pitt, Delma Faye Outerbridge, and Clara Locke; special friends, Delores Caine, Geraldine Hall, Rose Williams, Loraine Bryant, Annie Coppage and Marjorie Perkins; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mother Melba Ruth Locke

January 18, 1947 - February 18, 2026