Marilyn Harris

On Monday, March 4, 2024, Marilyn Jean Harris, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away. She was ninety. Marilyn was born on April 18, 1933 in Chillicothe, Ohio to Helen and Walter Schweitzer, and had an older brother, Howard.

She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. She moved to Newark, Ohio to teach music at Roosevelt Jr. High school where she met Frank Harris, a fellow teacher. They married on June 21, 1959. They moved to Melbourne, Florida in 1964 where they raised their three children, Mike, Heidi and Heather. Marilyn spent 46 devoted, happy years with Frank until his passing in 2005.

Marilyn was a devout Christian and a member of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Melbourne for over fifty years. She and Frank were active leaders at Emmanuel. Marilyn was the “interim” choir director for 27 years, for which she never accepted compensation. She remained a choir member and pianist for years after. The church was always Marilyn’s second home.

Marilyn was passionate about music and teaching. At Ocean Breeze Elementary school in Indian Harbour Beach, she shared her love of music with countless children over decades, while at the same time spreading that passion in her church and her home. Today, her musical influence continues to burn brightly in her children and grandchildren.

Marilyn was a happy, loving woman who never met a stranger. She was her happiest when spending time with friends and family. Marilyn loved to travel and experience life, and it was not in her nature to turn down an opportunity to see or do something new. After retirement, she and Frank traveled the country in their RV, seeing all the things they couldn’t when they were younger.

Marilyn lived a full, happy life, surrounded by people who couldn’t resist loving her, and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her son Michael (wife Cheryce and daughter Rachel Duke), daughters Heidi Branch (husband Rick, son Andrew and daughter Kylie) and Heather Greene (husband Carl, sons Zachary and Seth).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 10:30 am at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 2800 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL. The service will be a celebration of her life, so feel free to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Music Ministry of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 2800 West Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935. Please make checks payable to "Emmanuel United Methodist Church" and write "Marilyn Harris memorial" in the memo line.