Mary "Helen" Harris

It is our great joy that we, her family, celebrate that on Monday, August 14, 2023, after 85 years, Mary “Helen” Williams Harris entered the loving embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She was born April 8, 1938 in Rutherford County to Charles and Mary Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years. Cecil Lee Harris, who passed away in 1991, her brothers, Bobby, David, Larry, Tom and Marshall. She was especially devoted to Marshall, her special needs brother, whom she sacrificially cared for after the death of her mother. 

She is survived by her children, Wanda Kendrick (Tommy), Kathy Grant (Tim), Rick Harris (Sheila), Mark Harris (Sandy); ten grandchildren, Angie Porter, Matt Kendrick, Jesse Kendrick, Stacy Klickman, Brittany Harris, Conner Harris, Angel Hargett, Kaiden Hargett, Jacob Harris, Amanda Haynes and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Barbara Cook. 

She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She was known for the great meals she prepared for her family, neighbors and never-ending strays that showed up at mealtime. She had an amazing sense of humor, even when tortured by the grandchildren’s pranks.  She was a lover of all things pink. She attended Cool Springs High School and retired from AFA corporation. She was tireless in fighting for the needs of others. She was faithful to God and her church. 

 Special thanks to Dr. John Mark Bennett, Leslie and others at Forest City Family Medicine for their care through the years and to the staff at Oak Grove Nursing Center where she spent her final months. The family wishes to also thank Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for their care and compassion.   

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Thursday, August 17^th at Florence Baptist Church with Reverend Daniel Selman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church. A private interment will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Florence Baptist Church, 201 S. Broadway, Forest City, NC 28043.