Virginia Edith Seyfferle Harris

Vrginia E. Harris, 103, died peacefully on May 7, 2014 at her residence at Marsh’s Edge on St. Simons Island. She was born June 20, 1910 to William and Edith Seyfferle in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was married in 1935 to John F. Harris and was a loving mother to Sue Harris, Shaker Heights, Ohio; Fred B. Harris (Sally) of Great Barrington, Mass.; and Sally Harris Essig (David) of St. Simons Island, GA. She was very proud of her grandsons D. Andrew Essig (Megan), Danville, CA and Michael W. Essig (Keow), Fairfax, VA and her five great grandchildren – Amanda, Serena, Douglas, Benjamin, and John. In addition to her late parents, Ms. Harris was preceded in death by a sister Erma Feldhaus and a brother William Seyfferle. Virginia was pleased and proud of her position as secretary to the Dean of Admissions at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. She was perfectly suited for the job with superb clerical and organizational skills and enjoyed working with the young medical students. Virginia always approached life with a positive attitude, a strong faith in God and the power of the Holy Spirit. The trusted that problems or situations would turn out for the good and most often they did. Life was not without adversity, but she always kept moving forward with great character, good grace, and a sense of humor. She would readily admit that she had a wonderful life filled with a loving and admiring family, many friends, travel, and memories unique to her. She loved to play gin rummy with her grandsons, never letting them win easily, thus instilling pride when they beat Grammy. The horse races at Keenland, KY were a favorite where she would bet across the board on her favorite horse – winning more times than not. She loved to tell of the time she was selected by her senior center to throw out the first pitch at a Cincinnati Red’s game. She ended up having to catch the ball and with keen concentration did so in front of a stadium of cheering people. Virginia’s family would like to thank the staff at Marsh’s Edge, particularly the nurses and CNA’s who cared for her so lovingly. Thanks also to her personal caregivers, Lapeka H. Johnson, Gail Baumgardner, Lorraine Jackson, and Ronnie Lang. A private burial will be held for the family on Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 at Christ Church Frederica. A public memorial service will be held at Marsh’s Edge (Oglethorpe Room) on Thursday, May 15th , 2014 at 11:00 am to celebrate her long life. Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift in Virginia’s honor may contribute to Christ Church Frederica, 6329 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 or to Hyde Park Center for Older Adults, 2800 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com