Colleen Colley Harris

Born on April 10, 1942, Colleen was the daughter of Thomas Collins Latham and Pauline Monroe Latham and spent her childhood in the Bush Hills neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Ensley High School and went on to attend Howard College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Social Science. She later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she taught English for several years before settling in Montevallo, Alabama, in 1970.

Colleen worked for the Shelby County Board of Education and later became a school counselor at Montevallo High School. While at MHS, she was a shining light to students and colleagues alike. She listened without judgment, encouraged without reservation, and made every student who entered her office feel seen, valued, and capable of overcoming life’s challenges. She had a wonderful sense of humor, making others laugh and joking with anyone who would play along. Following her retirement in 1996, her passion for children and love for her church led her to serve as Director of the University Baptist Child Development Center. She later worked for the Public Defender’s Office at the Shelby County Courthouse.

Colleen was a vital presence at University Baptist Church, where she was a charter member and sang in the choir. She was instrumental in the church’s growth and development from its founding in 1971, helping shape its mission and ministry while faithfully serving in countless ways throughout the years. She enjoyed serving the community by delivering food as part of the local Meals on Wheels program and through Shelby Emergency Assistance (SEA), where she was actively involved in the Shelby Teens for Effective Parenting (STEP) program. Colleen was a member of the Montevallo Community Chorale for several years, a longtime member of the Montevallo Study Club, and a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, where she was initiated in the 1980s.

Colleen delighted in her four grandchildren—Emma, Miles, Royal, and Davin—loving them deeply, making special memories with them, and celebrating their sports and interests at every age. She always welcomed them with warm hugs and her joyful spirit. A devoted sports fan, she had a deep love for the Alabama Crimson Tide. During the fall, she could often be found cheering them on with family and friends.

In 2014, Colleen married John Harris. From their first date attending an Alabama Symphony Orchestra concert to sharing more than a decade of love, companionship, laughter, and faithful devotion, their marriage was a wonderful blessing in both of their lives and to both their families.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Collins Latham and Pauline Monroe Latham; her brother, Terrell Glenn Latham (MaryAnn); and her former husband, Sanford Colley. She is survived by her husband, John Harris; her daughter, Lauren Studdard (Barry) of Pelham; her son, Kevin Colley (Danica) of Boise, Idaho; her grandchildren, Emma, Miles, Royal, and Davin; John’s daughters, Emily Sooter (Jason) and Johnita Bryson (Bill); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A memorial service celebrating Colleen’s life will be held on Sunday, July 19, at University Baptist Church in Montevallo. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 4:30 p.m. She will be laid to rest during a private burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:

University Baptist Church P.O. Box 123 Montevallo, AL 35115 ubcmontevallo.org

Shelby Emergency Assistance P.O. Box 18 Montevallo, AL 35115 shelbyemergencyassistance.org