Marva J. Harris

Mother Harris was an absolute classic human being. And I mean that in the best way. I remember at a speech tournament once she scaled the wall of a dormitory to the second floor to look in on a few of us because of bizarre and of course completely untrue rumors that some girls and maybe some beverages had found their way into our room. Boy did we all get the third degree from her. But she did it because she loved us. Just glad she didn't fall!!

I got to know Marva while working at the Waterford and really enjoyed her! She had such wonderful things to say about her family and friends. And boy did she love those goldfish! It was a pleasure knowing her. My sincere condolences. Sharon Tennigkeit

My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Marva Harris; she was a funny, powerful, and kind woman. Further, she was a loyal, loving friend to my mother, a rock for her students, and a helping hand for any young person in need. I am extremely lucky to have had Marva in my life; she is the reason I was able to go to college. Though my sister and I competed for a “rival” school, she set up a full-ride scholarship for both of us, giving us the means to attend college and to...

Pam and Family,
Marva was one of a kind, and I know that everyone who knew her, loved her. She was my counselor and Speech Coach for 2 years at RHS. I was fortunate enough to see her in September, 2011. She was a very special person, counselor, teacher and friend to all. She will be missed, but the lives she touched will be brighter because of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pat Davis

There are very few teachers who have made an impact upon the life's of former students like Mother Harris. She made us laugh

Dear Pam and Family,
My thoughts are with you as you miss your Mom and Grandma this Christmas. I loved her! She was such a special loving woman. I am the speech coach at Glencoe High. I have coached for forty years. I am still teaching and coaching because of Marva and her buddies! She made coaching fun and her support was so important. I want to write more, but I just found out about her passing and I need to think. Love to you all. Susan McLain

I encountered Marva while a speech competitor from Astoria in the late 1970s. She could scare the bejesus out of me when she was on the end of my ballot. She always expected your best and helped you to get there. I had the good fortune to become a speech coach myself and worked alongside Marva at tournaments up until her retirement. Stories of Marva are still told today by those who were lucky enough to have known her. I went on to become the Oregon Speech Educator of the Year in 2003...