Miriam C. Harris

Miriam Cutler Harris, 89, beloved wife of Bill Harris of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2011, surrounded by her family. Miriam was born February 2, 1922, in Joliet, Illinois. She went to high school in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she met her future husband. Miriam attended Ward-Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee, and the University of Kentucky, where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority. On August 31, 1944, Miriam and Bill married. She devoted herself to the care and nurture of their family in the various states where Bill's career took them. For 35 years following their 1974 move to Dallas, Miriam was actively involved in the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church community, including Women of the Church Circle groups, communion preparation, and the Andrew Program. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, GPV's monthly bingo groups, the PHPC Clothes Closet, The Stewpot at First Presbyterian Church, and PVN, where she was recognized for 2,000 hours of service. Miriam delighted in singing the hymns she had loved all her life, most of which she knew by memory and faith. Miriam enjoyed playing golf and bridge at the DAC Country Club and traveling with her husband. In August 2011, she and Bill would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Miriam will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Bill Harris, of Dallas, TX; her elder son, W. Stokes Harris Jr., Lexington, KY; his daughter, Leigh W. Harris, Indianapolis, IN., her husband, Gary Thompson, and their children, Julia and Charlotte; her younger son, Henry C. Harris, and his wife, Tamara H. Harris, Crestview Hills, KY; and her daughter, Sally H. Beam, Bradley B. Beam, Birmingham, AL., and their children, Blair and Bradley, Jr. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. All will miss her greatly, but take comfort from knowing that their lives will always reflect her influence—her commitment to serving others, her positive attitude, and her ever- present smile.A memorial service will be held at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, on Wednesday, April 27, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in memory of Miriam be made to the Memorial Fund, PHPC, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230.