Mary Lee Harris

Mary Lee Harris left us on All Souls Day, Sunday, November 2nd, 2025.

She was born in Norfolk, Va, to Josephine Prepneit and William Joseph Lawson and had a brother, Billy Lawson, all deceased. She married "Bud" (George H. Harris III, deceased in 1998) and had two sons, Hunt Harrington, residing in Rappahannock, Va, and Hank (George H. Harris IV), living in Alexandria, Va with his wife Jrène. Mary Lee loved seeing her grandchildren Jamie, now living in Topanga, Ca, and Sylvie and Isabelle, currently living in Alexandria, Va and Washington DC. She was thrilled to have a great granddaughter, Luci, living in Topanga, Ca as well, and she stayed in touch with her former daughter-in-law Tutt. Seeing and knowing about her family's activities were one of her main joys in life!

Mary Lee was passionate about tennis and many other sports, especially UVA basketball! She co-founded the Virginia Beach Tennis Patrons, managed the Tidewater Tennis Center and was a true "tennis mom" to her sons Hunt and Hank. Many a tennis player was hosted by the Harris family while they played tournaments here at the beach. Mary Lee and Bud loved attending the US Open and the ACC basketball tournament, with a couple of Wimbledon trips thrown in. They enjoyed traveling and made lifelong friends through these events,

Mary Lee and Bud were dog lovers and added a boxer, basset hound, Afghan hounds, and a Briard to their family – often giving them tennis names.

Mary Lee and Bud loved the Little Theater and supported the local symphony and public radio. Mary Lee had classical music on the radio every day! She was also an active member of the Virginia Beach Civic League. Mary Lee and Bud were staunch supporters of Norfolk Academy, attending every sports event possible. She also chaired Field Day multiple times and had Bud cook his famous beef barbecue. Later on, they supported their sons' activities at Hampden Sydney and UVA.

Mary Lee found her passion in Real Estate, and, with the help of Bud, she reached the top of her field with a reputation people still remember. She worked hard to find her clients the right home and many of you reading this have probably bought a house from her, or your parents have.

Mary Lee was an active member of both the Eastern Shore Chapel and later joined Galilee Episcopal Church. She was involved with pastoral care, ran herb sales and sponsored a Laotian family, the Vangs, amongst other projects.

To say the least, Mary Lee was never idle! She loved to write and fulfilled her goal by writing "Socks & Jocks", a cute history of her life with two active sons – and did that at 95 years young! Mary Lee was not afraid to speak her mind! You could often read her opinion in her many letters to the editor! Mary Lee was a force to be reckoned with. Once you met her, you would never forget her!

The family would like to thank her many devoted friends and caregivers who helped her enjoy her final years as her health and mobility declined.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 9 at 11:00 at Galilee Episcopal Church, 3928 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach, VA with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.