1932
2017
Harriett J. Harris, beloved wife of Winton W. Harris, left this earthly life on May 8, 2017 to meet her Savior Jesus giving her an everlasting home in Heaven. Harriett was born to Burl and Adelaide Smitherman on April 28, 1932 in the Antioch Community of Centreville, Alabama. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church Golden Gateway and the Waters Sunday School Class, where she was a choir and library board member. Harriett was a dedicated school teacher for over 40 years. Being an effective and committed teacher gave lifelong meaning to her. Her love of teaching and mentoring brought her two prestigious awards, 1992 Teacher of the Year and in 1994 she was inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame. She was a charter member of the East Ridge Education Committee and for 16 years she was a Ronald McDonald volunteer in the family room at Erlanger Hospital. She is past president of Delta Kappa Gamma International Teachers Society. Harriett was also a member of the American Association of University Women where she received a named grant award. She and her husband shared in the "Spirit of 76 Award" given to them by the Freedoms Foundation of Philadelphia, PA. She was an active member in the Chattanooga Symphony Guild and an Auxiliary member of Gideon's International. Harriett was a charter member of the Medal of Honor Museum of Military History and a life member of the Alvin C. York Chapter of the 82 Airborne Division. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Fitts Smitherman and sister Virginia Smitherman.
Harriett is survived by nieces Ann S. (Ken) Sanders, Nancy (Roger Vogler) Webber, Holly Taylor, nephew Judd Webber, great niece Christine S. (Mac) McKiernan, and great nephew Kenneth (Wendy) Sanders.
"God has you in his keeping and I have you in my heart." Love, Winton.
Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the McEwen Chapel at First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry officiating. Internment will follow the service in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Waters Sunday School Class. Family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm Thursday, at the church.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church; 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, TN. 37402 or to the Ronald McDonald House; 200 Central Ave., Chattanooga, TN. 37403.
Please share your memories and condolences of Harriett with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.
Arrangement are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel; 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN. 37412
Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel, East Ridge, TN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel.
May 18, 2017
Mrs. Harris was my favorite elementary school teacher. She was inspirational, dedicated, and inspired her students to learn. She wasn't afraid to show love to the students. Bambi O'Neill Hatcher
May 11, 2017
Harriet was truly a wonderful lady. I worked with her at McBrien Elementary. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. JoAnn Bennington
May 11, 2017
Mrs. Harris was an incredible lady! She was my 5th grade teacher. She also taught my dad and my brother. She had the biggest heart and the largest smile! Thanks for impacting my life and showing me what it means to be an amazing teacher! Thanks for inspiring me to go into the career.
May 11, 2017
Colleen Schmitt
A beloved individual--gentle and gracious. Blessings to Mr. Harris and Family.
May 11, 2017
Gerri Stancil
I student taught under Mrs. Harris and then was honored to teach along side of her at East Ridge Elementary. She absolutely loved her profession and all of the students. Praying for you all.
May 10, 2017
Susan Pierce
Harriet was the epitome of a gracious lady -- always encouraging, always had a kind word to say, a dedicated teacher who cared about her friends and the students she taught.
May 10, 2017
Joy Grant
Winton, my prayers are with you. You and Harriett have been friends since I joined Phi Mu Sorority.
Joy (Martin) Grant
May 10, 2017
Harriet Harris McCrary
She was my 5th grade teacher and the reason I went into teaching. She was a very special lady. She was my mentor, friend, and I will miss her. She always told people I was her namesake. Prayers for Winton and family.
May 9, 2017
Melissa and Dot Bayless
Harriet was a great teacher and friend. She will always be with us. Dot and Lisa Bayless
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Funeral services provided by:
Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more