Eva Jeanette Harris

Mrs. Merrill (Eva) Harris passed away peacefully at home Monday May 23, 2016 just 3 months shy of her 100th birthday. She was born in Lake Charles, La. July 10th, 1916. The daughter of Edward Fredrick Runte and Lillian Youse` Runte.

Mrs. Harris enjoyed a long full life and was a resident of Jackson for over 75 years. In younger days Eve was a member of the Children’s Theatre Guild, the ‘75’ club, the Opera Guild, the ‘21’ club, the Monday Club, the Stew Pot, and the Calliope Club. She volunteered at St. Dominic’s hospital and loved to play bridge, remaining active in several bridge clubs for many years. Mrs. Harris was also the last surviving charter member of the Petrol Club.

Eve and her husband Merrill were passionate about travel and loved Dixieland Jazz. The two interests found them listening to good music throughout the United States and visiting various foreign countries during their 54 years of marriage.

Mrs. Harris is preceded in death by her husband, R. Merrill Harris, and is survived by: two daughters, Sue (John W.) Squires of Shreveport, LA., and Judy, (Judge John W.) Greene, Covington, LA., five grandchildren; Merrill Squires (Rhonda) Greenwich, Conn., Shannon Smith (Scott), Shreveport, LA., Harris Greene (Mae) Steamboat Springs, CO., Whitney Ligon (Shawn), Birmingham, AL., and Garrett Greene (Renee`), Dallas, TX. She also leaves behind nine great grandchildren and her nephew, Fred Runte of Lake Charles, LA.

The family wishes to express special appreciation to Vera Everett, who has been a beloved employee and friend for over 30 years. They also sincerely thank the friends, neighbors, and caregivers who touched Mrs. Harris’ life in her later years including: Marcel Milner, Alabel Wiser, David Bowen, Carole Parrish, Dawn Lyons, Etha Thomas, Con and Betty Maloney, Sarah Brooks and Mrs. Harris’ special caregiver Tina Washington. Finally the family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the amazing Barbara Brooks and her wonderful staff for outstanding care and support.

A funeral mass will take place at St. Richards Catholic Church Friday, May 27th at 10:00 A.M. with visitation immediately following. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Blair Batson Hospital for Children, St. Richards Catholic Church in Jackson, the Stew Pot, or a charity of your choice.