Fern Fitzgerald Harris

Fern Fitzgerald Harris, 97, passed away on December 1, 2013. She was born on July 3, 1916 to the late David C. and Helena S. Fitzgerald in Norfolk, Virginia. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years Jimmie “Popeye” Harris. Fern graduated from Maury High School in 1934 and later graduated from The Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary as Valedictorian in 1957. She soon after earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia. Fern was President of the Social Order of The Beauceant and River Forest Shores Civic Association of Norfolk. She was also Miss Virginia Beach and Miss Ocean View in the 1930’s. Mrs. Harris was a member of Trinity Baptist Church for over 50 years and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader. Fern retired from the Norfolk School System after 27 years as a teacher. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Hurst and husband Paul of Marietta, GA; son Tom Harris and wife Kim Henderson of Richmond, VA; sisters Betty Barfield and Myrtle Jean Berryman both of North Port, FL; sister-in-law Clara Harris of Williston, SC; five grandsons, twelve great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.