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Polly C. Harris

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University of Mississippi

Polly Harris Obituary

Polly C. Harris

Cleveland

Mrs. Polly Coleman Harris, longtime Mississipi educator, died Saturday, Dec. 31, at home in her native Cleveland. She taught many subjects in the nearly 40 years she served the Mississippi public schools, but concentrated on biology and chemistry, and was head of the science department at Clarksdale High School until her retirement in 1980. She then got a nursing degree, skills she employed for free to help whoever needed helping in her community.

She was born Etta Pauline Coleman on July 13, 1918, the daughter of the late Rev. Arch James Coleman and Bird Walker Houston Coleman. She is survived by a sister, Eleanor Coleman Garrett of Cleveland; a brother, Dr. James Arch Coleman, Jr., of Waco, Texas; a son, William Thomas Harris III of New York; a granddaughter, Anne Harris Grivich ofAustin, Texas; a nephew, David Wesley Coleman of Cleveland; as well as numerous friends and former students.

Mrs. Harris was graduated from Cleveland High School and married her beloved William Thomas Harris in November 1939 in Cleveland. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Delta State University in 1939, and went on to achieve a Masters degree in Science from the University of Mississippi under a National Science Foundation scholarship. Mrs. Harris was one of only 34 teachers in the Clarksdale independent school district with a Masters degree when she matriculated. In her early career, she taught science and home economics at Lula-Rich Consolidated School in Coahoma County and Darling high school in Quitman.

Her interests included the history of Native Americans; life among indigenous Alaskans; the work of Charles Darwin and Mother Teresa; advances in medical technology; anything concerning the natural sciences; and country and western music. She was also a natural critic and student of narrative film, wore hats to great effect, and followed the worlds of men and women's fashions religiously. Her wisdom, passion, encouragement, and affection, are missed by many.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 6 , at First United Methodist Church, 318 South Court Street, in Cleveland, the Rev. Barry Dickerson presiding.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Jan. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Polly Harris

21 Entries

Stoney Rogers

January 6, 2012

It was a pleasure having Miss Polly as a family friend while I was growing up. Every single time I visited her, it was a delight. I know without a doubt that it is because of her visits and the conversations she and I had that I went into teaching. She was a well loved woman and touched many lives while she was here.

William Wilkinson

January 5, 2012

Aunt Polly will be missed. I can vividly remember my Grandmother, Suzette Townsend, my Aunt Elisabeth Welch and Aunt Polly carpooling to Clarksdale every Thursday morning at 800 AM. These three Southern Belles from Rich, Mississippi were going to get their hair done, going to the bank and going grocery shopping! I would go with them at times and at other times simply walk Mamaw to the car. Regardless, Aunt Polly always had a smile to pass along and would always poke and prod at Mamaw and Aunt Elisabeth if they were being to quiet as far as Aunt Polly was concerned. The elder ladies of Rich are together now again and I can only imagine what fun that they must be having together now after 15 years of being apart!

Mary Alice Lewis Winter

January 4, 2012

Mrs Harris was one of my favorite teachers at Lula Rich. She will be missed.

Billy Mosley

January 4, 2012

Mrs Harris was my seventh grade home room teacher and science teacher at Lula Rich. She is one of the fondest memories of that time in my life.

Frank Lee

January 4, 2012

To the family of Mrs Harris.
She taught me at Lula Rich years ago. She was a wondeful person and an insipration to me.

Cathy Verner

January 4, 2012

Mrs. Harris taught me biology at Clarksdale High School. We were blessed with good teachers in the 60's and Mrs. Harris was one of them. I am sorry for your loss.

January 4, 2012

I am so grateful for Mrs. Harris and her dedication to our education. She was a wonderful teacher and mentor. Rev. Litton Logan

Marilyn Brookes

January 3, 2012

Mrs. Harris taught me ninth grade biology. Primarily because of her, I became a middle school science teacher. Her introduction to microbiology was incredible. I remember in particular her showing us all the "creepy-crawleys" on a piece of lettuce.

Charles Kincade

January 3, 2012

Mrs. Harris introduced her students to the lecture and, with her no-nonsense approach to study, prepared me for my college work. She was able to describe complex, abstract concepts in such a manner that they were understood by all. I have thought of her often in the past 50 years and cherish the short time that I was her student. She was indeed unique. Please accept my condolences to your loss.

January 3, 2012

Thomas so sorry about your Mom. She meant the world to me and taught me many things as a teacher at Lula-Rich school and also as a family friend from the Texas gas plant. One of my fondess memories is when she taught home ecomnics and took us to her home to teach us to make a bed correctly and how to cook and set aproper table. Those memories will always be in my heart. I always tried to see her when I was in the area. I will have you and family in my prayers.
Marjorie Cozart Warren Panama City,fl.

Steve Edington

January 3, 2012

May God's peace & love envelop the Harris family! Some people make the world better by being in it but others make being in the world, a claim that won't be soon forgotten! Ms Harris taught me biology in 10th grade ...1974..God Bless her & the influence upon my life!

Lea Fyfe

January 3, 2012

So many wonderful memories growing up next door to Mrs. Polly and Mr. Tom. Greatest was her riding with my then 7 yr. old brother on the new go-cart that Santa brought him in the mid '70's. He was in typical play clothes while she was dressed elegantly with her long white chiffon scarf flowing in the wind, both squealing with laughter as they took the curves of the Welch's driveway. Love and cherish my visits with Mrs. Polly. Thomas and Ann, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lea Ashley Fyfe
Psalm 116:15

Diane Jones Fisher

January 3, 2012

What wonderful memories I have from Mrs. Harris' biology class at Clarksdale High School! She was a gifted educator and consummate professional whom we will hold close to our hearts. May God bless your family and comfort you during this difficult time.

Cindy Murphy

January 3, 2012

A very talented lady, one who made her students think, kept them guessing, and obviously a woman of intellect and passion for life. She was one of 'those' teachers in my life who influenced me and whom I will never forget. Cindy kilgo Murphy

Susan Feather

January 3, 2012

I remember Mrs. Harris as a dedicated teacher at Clarksdale High School. Her sister, Eleanor, and my mother were Canasta playing friends when my family lived in Cleveland. Mrs. Harris was so proud of her only child, Tom, and I am sure felt the same way toward her only grandchild. My sister Cathy Martin and I extend our deepest sympathy to all the family.

Phyllis Farr

January 3, 2012

My prayers are with your family. Polly was a dear friend of my mother, Muriel Farr. God bless each of you

DANNY OBRIANT

January 3, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lamira Martin

January 3, 2012

Mrs. Harris was my biology teacher at Clarksdale High School. She was intelligent, elegant and very understanding of a student who did not lean toward science :)
My condolences to the family of this wonderful woman.
Lamira Scherck Martin (CHS class of 1968)

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