Leota Bell Salter Guthrie

Leota Bell Salter Guthrie, 79, of Harkers Island, NC, passed away on November 23, 2024, at UNC Chapel Hill.

A graveside service to honor Leota’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 27 at Vergie Mae Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Jason Salter. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.

Leota was born in Sea Level, NC to the late Robie and Inez Salter on April 30, 1945. She and her siblings lived a modest childhood full of fond memories only a child of a small Down East Community would have in the 1950’s. Leota would often speak of being referred to as “Little Robie” because she resembled much like him and was his shadow. She often reflected on how she enjoyed being on her daddy’s shrimp boat with him and was the only girl sibling that much enjoyed being on the boat. That way of life continued into her adult years as a Harkers Island boy caught her eye and married Doug Guthrie Sr. on May 18, 1962.

She moved from Sea Level to Harkers Island and made that Island her home where she was a homemaker and raised three sons, Dean Guthrie (Carol), Randy Guthrie (Lisa), and Doug Guthrie Jr. (Christine). Those three boys were the apple of her eye until her grandchildren came along, Heidi Guthrie Driver (Johnnie), Jordan Guthrie, Sarah Guthrie Vowell (Andrew), Katie Guthrie, Charlie Guthrie, Parker Guthrie, and Evan Guthrie. She absolutely adored her great-grandchildren, Leah Driver, Kayla Driver, Levi Vowell, and looked forward to the birth of her fourth great-grandbaby, Colt Vowell.

She has many nieces and nephews who recall their childhood being impacted by her gentle nature and nurturing qualities as she often babysat while their parents worked outside the home. She enjoyed having children around her all her days. Her only living sister, Sylvia Salter Davis (Bobby) is also left to cherish her memory. 

In addition to her parents, Leota was preceded in death by her brother, William Lane Salter; her sisters, Elizabeth Salter who was lovingly known as “Sister”, Dorothy Salter Hargett, and Belinda Salter Guthrie; and her sweet grandson, Charlie Guthrie.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in Leota’s honor to SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.