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Maria Harvey Obituary
Jackson
Maria Luisa Alvarez Harvey, the embodiment of the American dream, was born in 1933 in Mexico and died Feb. 13, 2017. She and her family survived the hardship of losing their father at an early age. After legally immigrated to El Paso, Texas, she helped support her family by working in an uncle's printshop, cleaning houses and as a shampoo girl in an aunt's beauty shop. She later earned a cosmetology degree and worked as a stylist.
She learned her English through her Anglo customers and by taking some English classes in night school and reading Readers' Digest.
She passed a college entrance exam and graduated three years later from Texas Western College now the University of Texas at El Paso. She earned a master's from UTEP and a Ph.D at the University of Arizona. There she earned a Phi Beta Kappa key. She added a master's in education from Jackson State and was a visiting scholar for two years at Harvard University.
She taught in Arizona and in New Mexico before settling in Jackson, where she taught at JSU from 1970 until a couple of years ago.
With then President John A. Peoples' support, she established the Honors Division, then the W.E. B. DuBois Honors College, where she served as associate dean, taking great pride in her "babies" as she called her students.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luis R. and Juanita M. Alvarez; brothers, John Alvarez and Luis Alvarez, and husband, W. Brockford Gordon.
She leaves behind a son, Rogelio V. Solis (wife Deborah); grandson, Luis V. Solis (wife Meredith); sisters, Lilia Keitges (husband Ken) of Orlando, Florida, and Nena Aigner (husband Erich) of El Paso; sister-in-law Nohemi Alvarez (John's widow); and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, share of your talents and time mentoring deserving youth, donate to a women's cancer support/research organizations or give roses, her favorite, to a senior citizen home or nursing facility for their residents.
Visitation is 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson, followed by a funeral Mass with internment in the columbarium at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maria Harvey
Sponsored by Peoples Funeral Home, Inc. - Jackson.
Vivian Taylor
March 19, 2017
My deepest sympathy is extended to the beloved son and family of Dr. Harvey! I was very fond of her, and have cherished memories of the time that she served as one of my favorite professors as an undergraduate, as well as the time we later served as colleagues at JSU. Farewell, "home girl."Dr. Vivian Taylor
Elaine Hargrove
February 22, 2017
Dr Harvey was one reason I succeeded at JSU. She was always supportive and encouraging. She is one of the reasons I chose JSU. She invited my parents and I to Jackson State to tour the campus. Man, she walked us that day. My dad always remembered her as the little lady that walked us till we were pooped . She helped shape me to the person I am today. My prayers for her family
February 22, 2017
Dr. Harvey, may you rest in peace. You were such an inspiration to all that had the pleasure of meeting you here on earth.
Cynthia Lockhart, Ed.D.
February 22, 2017
Condolences to Dr. Harvey's family. She was a DEDICATED educator that LOVED Jackson State AND her students! I would often visit her years after graduating and she would ALWAYS willing to offer her assistance.
Lucinda Wade-Robinson
February 22, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
February 22, 2017
I would like to offer condolences for your loss. May your family have peace and comfort in knowing it has been promised sickness pain and death will one day be no more.
Susan Destache
February 22, 2017
It is so good to know more about what a special lady she was as we sing for her funeral mass at St. Richard Catholic Church today at 11:00 am.
in memorium of MH
kathleen chapman
February 21, 2017
Deepest condolences to Dr. Harvey's family. She was instrumental in making my college experience the best it could ever have been. She will be missed.
Hillman & Jean Frazier
February 21, 2017
Jean and I were sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was a very special person who inspired many students. She was a person who made life better for everyone she met. We will continue to lift your family up in prayer. We thank God for her life.
Hillman and Jean Frazier
NATHIA Williams
February 21, 2017
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF MARIA HARVEY. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE CLOSE TO MY HEART. SHE IS AN FOREVER INSPIRATION AND CONFIDANT. ALWAYS POSITIVE, SUPPORTIVE. PEACE BLESSING AT THIS TIME OF LOSS.
February 21, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to family and friends, for the lost of their beloved Maria. I hope the promise at John 6:39 can bring real comfort. Knowing that there is hope for our lost love ones can be reassuring.
February 21, 2017
I offer my deep condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
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