Carolyn Munford Harris

Carolyn Munford Harris LANHAM, Md. - Carolyn Munford Harris was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, now Chesapeake and departed this life Jan. 19, 2009. Born and raised in Norfolk County, Carolyn was the youngest child of the late M. Burke Munford and Carrie Mason Munford. She attended the public schools in Norfolk County, graduating in 1952. She attended Virginia State College, now Virginia State University, receiving her B.S. degree in music. At an early age, Carolyn became a member of Grove Baptist Church, Portsmouth. She participated in many activities there during her youth. Upon graduating from Virginia State, she was employed as a music teacher at Pocahontas High School in Powhatan, Va. It was there she met John Otis Harris Sr. They were married in July 1958. In 1964, the family moved from Virginia to Washington, D.C., and later to Lanham, Md. She held the position as a music teacher in Maryland's Prince George County Public Schools, retiring in 1994. In 1980, Carolyn joined Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. She was a dedicated member, faithfully participating and served in various positions. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Otis Harris Sr.; a devoted son, J. Otis Harris Jr. of Lanham; brother, Burke Munford of Brodnax, Va.; sister, Janice M. Pierce of Portsmouth; sister-in-law, Evelyn Wooldridge of Powhatan; devoted cousins, Rudolph and Barbara Depass of Lanham; a host of relatives, family members and friends. A funeral was held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in Shiloh Baptist Church. Final services and interment were Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009 in Mount Zion Baptist Church, Powhatan. Information submitted by Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham St., Portsmouth.