Clara Thomas Harris

Clara Mae Thomas Harris, was born October 10, 1934, to the late Joseph and Pearl Thomas, in Landgraff, West Virginia. She departed this life on November 6, 2021, at Tidal Health Peninsula surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Clara graduated from Bluefield State College, in Bluefield, West Virginia, with her Bachelor of Science, in education. After being childhood friends, Clara married the love of her life, Melvin L. Harris Jr., on August 6th, 1960. They reunited in West Virginia, after they had both moved away and returned for teaching positions they obtained. They eventually settled in Salisbury, Maryland, after Melvin obtained his master's degree at the University of Maryland and reared two loving children, Denise and Belinda.
After teaching in Virginia and West Virginia, Clara retired from the Wicomico County School system, after 30 years of service. Focusing on early childhood education, she shared her love for second and third graders, and their families, for the duration of her career. Clara was also a very proud and active member of the national teacher's sorority, Phi Delta Kappa, Beta Tau Chapter, serving as the Financial Secretary.
The Salisbury community was also very important to Clara. For many years, she worked with the local NAACP chapter, working to raise funds and awareness for the organization. In 2017, she received a surprise award from the organization, for the work that she had done. Clara was also a founding member of her church, Mills Memorial Baptist Temple, she proudly served on the usher board for many years.
One of Clara's favorite hobbies was bowling. She had a gift for the sport and had the opportunity to go semi pro at one point. The women's team, that she was a member of, often traveled to various parts of the country to participate in team and individual tournaments.
The one thing that was most important to Clara was her family. "Moochie" as she was colloquially known, was often referred to as the matriarch and was always there to listen, lend a helping hand or assist in any way she could. The family reunions, that were held for many years, were always something she looked forward to.
Clara leaves to cherish many warm memories of her life with her husband Melvin, her daughters Denise Harris-Coe and Belinda Harris, her step sons, Melvin Shelton and Rodney Shelton, two grandsons Christian Coe and Markel Currie and her sister, Ruth Wilson. As a part of her living legacy Clara also leaves a host of nieces and nephews to keep her memory alive. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Pearl Thomas, and her siblings, Gladys Hodge, Joseph Thomas, Lucille Cartwright, Lillie Norman, James Thomas and John Thomas.
Services to celebrate the life of Clara Harris will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury MD. A public visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with a service honoring Clara's life to start at 1:00 pm. Clara will be laid to rest at Springhill Memory Gardens.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, PA, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
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