Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 17, 2026

Harriet Woodward Burton passed away surrounded by the love of her family on September 17, 2026. Harriet was born on October 29, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia to Frederick White Woodward and Harriet Brown Woodward.  Harriet attended North Fulton High School where she was a cheerleader for the football team. She often claimed that she could jump up and tap her toes to the back of her head, quite the feat. After attending UNCG and the University of Georgia, Harriet returned to Atlanta where she worked as a receptionist for a law firm before joining Delta Airlines in group reservations. As a Delta employee, Harriet had the opportunity to travel extensively, something that became a passion. After a quick courtship, Harriet married Don Burton in 1974.  Almost immediately, Don was transferred to New York, a move by which Harriet was not initially thrilled, but she soon came to love the adventures of New York City living.  Harriet and Don spent five years living in New York City, and another eight in Darien, Connecticut, where their two daughters were born. After thirteen years in the Northeast, Harriet and Don returned with their girls to the South, making Charlotte their home of more than 39 years. 

In Charlotte, Harriet was a top sales rep with Cottingham Chalk and represented Portrait Brokers of America.  She was active in the community, volunteering in her children’s schools, delivering a friendship tray route, serving as the president of the PTA for a school that would not otherwise have one, tutoring, serving on the Vestry at Christ Church and participating in countless other philanthropic endeavors.  

Harriet approached life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy, loving to sing, dance, and play tennis. Harriet was a remarkable listener, incredibly kind, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. She offered the best advice and comfort during difficult times, and she enjoyed celebrating life’s many blessings with those she loved. Her warmth and humor touched everyone who knew her.

Her grandchildren will fondly remember Harriet as Haha, who chased them around the kitchen counter and made them giggle with joy. 

Harriet is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Don; her daughters Haley Lahmeyer (Scott) and Louise Copeland (Lee); her grandchildren Robert and Nancy Lahmeyer and Grey and Annie Copeland and her brother Rick Woodward and his family. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister, Quinn Woodward, and her sister-in-law, Kay Woodward.

Harriet’s family would like to express gratitude to the wonderful teams at Southminster Embrace Health and Hospice and Via Health Partners for their extraordinary care and kindness to Harriet and her family during her final days.

A celebration of Harriet’s life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina at 2:00 PM on September 28, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.