Mary Edith Harris, age 92 of Ozark, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019 in Ozark Riverview Manor. Mary was born March 31, 1927 the daughter of John K. and Ida (Whitsett) Simpson. On November 9, 1947 she was united in marriage to John Dean Harris and to this union two sons, Alan T. Harris and P. Bruce Harris, were born.
Mary was a longtime Christian County resident and well-known business woman. She and Dean successfully owned and operated Harris Funeral Homes in Ozark and Nixa for many years and she continued operations after the death of her husband, Dean. Mary was a compassionate lady and very classy but always humble and willing to help others. She was recognized in 1993 by the National Heritage Foundation with a plaque and roses for forty two years of dedicated funeral service.
Mary is survived by a brother John H. Simpson; two sisters Helen Acheson and Inis Mitchum; four grandchildren Caleb Harris, Annie Cundiff, Brandy Sexton, Brianna Preston-Alpers; special friends Brent and Kelly Carlson, Carla Dobbs, Nehemiah Carlson; several nieces and nephews and other caring family members.
In addition to her husband, Mary was also preceded in death by both sons Alan and Bruce Harris; two brothers Charles and George Simpson; two sisters Mildred Ferrell and Nancy Bray and a very devoted pet, Java.
It was Mary’s final wishes for Barnes Family Funeral Home to care for her and follow her wishes of no formal services. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Dean in the Sparta Cemetery. Mary was loved will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamily funerals.com.
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Mary Carlson says
July 9, 2019 at 2:12 pmOh, our Mary, she will be missed. I am so grateful our family got to know her and love her. I am very grateful of the love she showed my son, Nehemiah, and I thank her for loving him. She would say, “How’s my boy?” and then look at me assuring me that she knew he was really my boy and not hers. I would stop her and tell her he was both and it was OK for her to claim him. I know she would have loved to have been here to hear about his adventures at C of O, but we are glad she is pain-free and at peace. Love you to your family as you go through this time. We will cherish our memories of Mary and I will always thank her for being Nehemiah’s best friend. Thank you, Mary for loving our boy! Rest well.
Jill Uptegrove says
July 9, 2019 at 3:14 pmWe will miss you aunt Mary. I know you have found peace !
Cherlyn Miller says
July 9, 2019 at 10:10 pmI am so sorry for your loss. Mary was such a sweet woman. I absolutely loved her as a kid. Our family used Harris’ Funeral home for years. It made my heart so happy to reconnect with her at ORM. She knew exactly who I was and remembered me as a little girl at 92 years old. She will be dearly missed . Lifting you all up in prayer.
Cherlyn Burkhart Miller
Brandy Sexton says
July 9, 2019 at 10:22 pmYou’ll be missed, Grandma! I’m thankful for the time we had with her. She really enjoyed her great grandchildren and was always so delighted to see them.
Lynn & Janet Morris says
July 10, 2019 at 7:28 amSending prayers to Mary’s family. She was a wonderful person with many friends. She will be missed.
Brian Simmons says
July 10, 2019 at 8:47 amSo sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. I valued her friendship and have fond memories of working funerals with her .
Brian Simmons
Springfield Mortuary Sevice
Gayle Maples says
July 10, 2019 at 8:55 amSuch a loving family to have been blessed to know.
Lois Herd says
July 10, 2019 at 11:21 amMy Classmate , Cheer Leader Friend In Hight School and Special Friend. I will miss her. Love ❤️ and Prayers to the Family.
Archie & Janet Ladd says
July 10, 2019 at 11:36 amMany cherished memories of Mary and Dean. Wonderful lady.
Gina G. Glidewell says
July 10, 2019 at 11:56 amSending thoughts & prayers for Mary’s family in this time of sorrow. Mary’s spirit and laughter lives on in the hearts of her friends.
Steve Guthrie says
July 10, 2019 at 12:20 pmWhat an amazing woman. She was an excellent business woman and a charming personality.
Kitty Benton says
July 11, 2019 at 8:45 pmShe definitely was a classy lady. It was a privilege to call her a friend. Our prayers for the family.
Clinkingbeards says
July 12, 2019 at 9:36 amMary was a wonderful lady and we had a great working relationship through many years.
She will be missed. Condolences and prayers to the family.
The Clinkingbeard Family
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