Maxine Harris

Virginia Maxine Harris, an emblem of unwavering dedication and love, was born on August 25, 1934, in Pryor, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Adair, Oklahoma. She leaves behind a legacy rich in hard work, familial devotion, and the art of nurturing. Her journey of life spanned nearly nine decades, during which she exemplified the virtues of perseverance and commitment, especially within her cherished roles as a wife and mother. In an extraordinary union formed on June 3, 1954, Maxine married Jeff Harris, creating a partnership that would endure for 71 years and 7 days, a testament to their unwavering love and shared endeavors. Together, they cultivated a home filled with warmth, where the modest yet profound joys of life flourished. Maxine's pride in her domestic life was evident in the meticulous care she bestowed upon her household. With diligence and tenacity, she ensured that all within her home were well-fed and attended to, her influence seen in the immaculate condition of her dwelling—a true reflection of her character. A devoted mother to three sons, Maxine reveled in her role, dedicating herself to their upbringing with the same fierce determination that characterized every aspect of her life.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Jeff Harris of the home; her sons, Michael Harris and his wife Jan of Dallas, TX, and Curtis Harris and his wife Brandi of Cedar Park, TX. She also took immense pride in her grandchildren: Jeffery Harris, Ryan Harris, Tyler Flann Harris, Shaye Stowers, Logan Harris, and Hannah Harris, as well as her great-grandchildren, Connor Harris, Chloe Harris, Lily Harris-Burgess, Marley Harris-Burgess, Aubrey Self, Kaden Self, and Connor Stowers.

She was not only a caretaker of her family but also a practical hand on their farm, embracing the rigors of farm life, working cattle and raking hay. Her fearless spirit was perhaps best exemplified when at the age of 89, she assisted her husband in cleaning the roof, a vivid reminder that she was never one to shy away from hard work or the challenges it presented. She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Rosa (Hayden) Arnold, and her beloved son, David Harris; and her siblings, W.A. Arnold, Thurman Ray Arnold, Hayden Arnold, Preston Arnold, Gearldine Bryant, Mary Williams, and Wanda Helt. Though heavy is the heart that mourns her passing, her family finds comfort in the indelible marks she left across generations—the lessons taught through her actions, her commitment to family, and the love she radiated.

Funeral services for Maxine will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Pryor with Pastor John Baumert officiating. Interment will follow at Benge Cemetery in Adair with Tony Smith, Conrad Gunter, Connor Harris, Jim Trout, Frank Berka, and Scott Wade serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Troy Musgrave, L.A. Proctor, Doug Abbott, and Wes Abbott. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2025, at Shipman's Funeral Home. To leave a personal message, please visit her guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.