Esther Louise Jack-Harris

Esther Jack-Harris (nee Speidel) was born on December 10, 1927 in Pittsburgh, PA to Rev. George and Elizabeth Speidel. She and her two older sisters, Mary and Ruth, grew up in a closely knit family that emphasized church and music. Everyone in the family was musically inclined. She and her sisters performed at many public events as a vocal trio modeled on the Andrews sisters. Following her graduation from Wheaton College, MA, with a Bachelor of Arts (music), she taught school for several years at Valley School of Ligonier, PA.

She and Clifford Jack were married on June 14, 1952, by her father, Rev. Speidel, and settled in Pittsburgh. Clifford worked for General Motors in Pittsburgh for several years during which time he and Esther had four children. In 1961 Cliff was transferred by General Motors to Detroit and the family settled in Birmingham, MI where they raised their children. Throughout their marriage, Esther and Cliff were avid bridge players. She also participated in many volunteer activities during those years including Girl Scout Co-Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, and school Library Volunteer. The family attended St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Birmingham, and she volunteered extensively for church related activities including, Sunday School Teacher, Children's Choir Director, and Adult Choir Member. Her lifelong love of music led her to write many original piano compositions, most often religious in nature. Her Christmas Cantata was performed in churches Birmingham MI and El Paso TX.

In the mid-1970s Cliff was transferred to General Motors operations in El Paso TX where Esther was actively involved with the families of her two daughters who raised their own families in El Paso and southern New Mexico. She remained involved in music in El Paso, singing in the choir at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. She received a real estate license and worked for Benchmark Realty in El Paso for several years. Clifford passed away on November 3,2012.

Esther and Larry Harris were married on July 18, 2013. The service was performed by Larry's son (also named Larry) who was himself a pastor (now retired). Esther and Larry spent 12 years in San Antonio. During this time, she and Larry enjoyed traveling and visiting family. Larry was a devoted and caring husband and the two were able to spend many happy years together.

Following a brief illness, Esther died peacefully in the home she shared with Larry. She died on December 5, 2025, 5 days short of her 98th birthday. She was interred at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with her first husband Clifford Jack. The service was led by Pastors Larry Harris and Michael Hamilton. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, her first husband Clifford and an infant granddaughter, Erin Jack. She is survived by her 4 children: Clifford Jack Jr, Chris, Connie, Stewart, 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, her second husband, Larry Harris, and his children: Diane, Mike, Larry, Tom, Sue, Kathy, Mary Lynn and 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Donations in remembrance of Esther may be sent to:
Samaritan's Purse
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, El Paso
Zion Lutheran Church, San Antonio