Katie Pritchett Harris

Katie Lou Pritchett Harris was born into the loving arms of the Pritchett-Partlow family on February 4, 1944, and left this world into the welcoming embrace of Our Lord on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Her bright enthusiasm, tenacity, and positive energy defined not only a life well-lived, but a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

Katie grew up in Tuscaloosa as the third of four children to Margaret “Sis” Partlow and Harry Houghton Pritchett, Sr. She was a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa High School and went on to attend Sweet Briar College before earning her degree from the University of Alabama in 1966. A distinguished student, she double majored in mathematics and music, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. It was at the University where she met the love of her life, Norman Harris.

Katie and Norman’s partnership was marked by deep love and mutual admiration. They wed shortly after her graduation and began their life in Decatur, also spending a momentous year in New York City while Norman pursued his doctorate at New York University. Katie and Norman built a home where family was at the center of everything.

When Norman died unexpectedly in 1994, Katie carried her family forward with strength, a testament to their remarkable union. She created traditions that continue to unite the family today—from home-cooked meals and beach trips to shared celebrations of Alabama football.

She is survived by her three children: daughter Pressley Harris Peters and her husband James M. Peters of Dallas, Texas; son Norman West Harris, III of Birmingham, Alabama; and daughter Margaret Nixon Lowe of Atlanta, Georgia. She was a wonderful grandmother to eight grandchildren: Julia Gray Peters of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Christopher Wilton Peters of Dallas; Margaret Pritchett Peters of Orange, California; Arthur James Peters of Wellesley, Massachusetts; Anson West Harris of Tuscaloosa; Coast Guard Electronics Technician William Partlow Harris of Petaluma, California; Rachel Bell Harris of Birmingham; and Norman Harris Lowe of Tuscaloosa.

She is also survived by her younger sister and best friend, Kathleen Pritchett Quarles, and Kat’s husband Ralph, along with numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Norman West Harris, Jr.; her sister Margaret “Boo” Pritchett Privett; and her brother, The Very Reverend Harry Houghton Pritchett, Jr.

An accomplished athlete, Katie excelled in swimming, diving, tennis, and golf, earning numerous accolades for her skill and competitive spirit. She was also deeply devoted to music—from playing Chopin with grace on the piano and teaching lessons, to enthusiastically singing the Eagles or the hymns of the 1982 Episcopal Hymnal. Dogs, whether her own or those she met along walks at home or on the beach, brought her immense joy.

Katie was a pioneering female real estate agent in north Alabama and in 1983 co-founded Fowler Harris & Glover with dear friends Anne Fowler and Jane Glover. The firm became a respected agency, and she was recognized multiple times as Morgan County Realtor of the Year before the partners sold the company in 2008.

Her leadership extended far beyond her professional life. Katie was recognized as a tireless contributor to Decatur’s civic and nonprofit life. She served as Chair and member of the Decatur Hospital Board of Trustees and was honored at its Foundation Gala. She also served on the boards of AmSouth Bank (now Regions Financial) and the University of Alabama Leadership Board for the College of Arts & Sciences. She remained deeply committed to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she served as a Vestry member, Diocesan delegate, and in many other roles.

In recognition of her community spirit, Katie was selected as a torchbearer for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay, carrying the Olympic flame through Morgan County. She raised philanthropic support for numerous causes, holding a special devotion to Camp McDowell, the Episcopal Church, and the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation.

Friends and family describe Katie as vivacious, athletic, creative, resourceful, generous, and loving. She had a gift for bringing people together—whether for dressy holidays, casual celebrations, or spontaneous gatherings filled with laughter. Though her later years were shaped by Alzheimer’s disease, her spirit and impact remain unmistakable.

A celebration of Katie’s life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Decatur, Alabama, on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and followed by a reception in the parish hall. Check back for a link to the livestream for those who can’t join in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to a favorite nonprofit or to:

· the Camp McDowell Camper Scholarship Fund

· Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation

· Margaret Pritchett Memorial Endowed Scholarship (University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences)

· Harry H. Pritchett Memorial Women’s Golf Support Fund (Crimson Tide Foundation) The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870268, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487