Iris Lois Harris

On August 2, 2023, at the age of 96, Iris Lois Wallace Harris departed this life in Boulder, Colorado. She left behind a cherished family, including her sons William, Jr (“Bill”) and Eric, along with eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life and her utmost joy.

Born on June 18, 1927, in Galveston, Texas, at John Sealy Hospital- though her birth was officially recorded a month later- Iris, fondly known as “Peggy” by family and friends, was the younger daughter of Iris Lois Wilkins Wallace and William Wallace and sister to Honoreen. Galveston was not only her birthplace, but also where she forged her path, met her husband, and raised their two sons before relocating to Colorado to be closer to her expanding family. Her journey to eternity was preceded by the loss of her parents and sister.

Growing up in an era marked by economic hardships, global conflict, and racial tension and segregation, Iris emerged a resilient, accomplished, loving woman and faithful Christian.

Iris graduated from Texas’ oldest high school, Central High School, and shortly after met William Harris Sr., had their first child, Bill, followed by Eric a couple of years later. To support her growing family, Iris began work at John Sealy Hospital and the University of Texas Medical Branch as an orderly in the maternity ward while attending night school to study secretarial science. She eventually became an Executive Secretary for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a career that spanned over 44 years.

Iris’s talents extended to the kitchen and the sewing room. Iris was well known for her delicious crab gumbo, a fixture at most family gatherings, along with her German chocolate cake, the recipes for which were lovingly passed down to her family. She excelled as a seamstress and tailor, designer, fashion show coordinator, and interior decorator; she adored creating beautiful garments and home decors. With strength and fortitude, Iris led her family through crises, including their escape from danger and rebuilding their lives when Hurricane Carla struck in 1963, decimating their home. It was with immense pride that Iris watched her sons’ academic and athletic successes lead to fulfilling and bountiful lives of their own that brought new family and friends into her life. Throughout her life, Iris found solace and strength in her faith; she read the Bible daily, was active in her church communities, including those of St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, and Cherry Hills Community Church. She taught Sunday school in Galveston and was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the King.

Iris is remembered as a loving, humorous, and warm person. Regardless of who you were, you were welcomed in, told stories that would have you laughing the hours away, fed - whether you thought you could eat more or not - and with a loving kiss told to “Gimme some sugar!”. Iris leaves behind a legacy of determination, strength, humor, faith, and love that lives on in the lessons she taught and in the memories of those she left behind. We are inspired by her life’s example and comforted by the thought that she continues to watch over us with the same love and strength she always showed.