Mary Elizabeth Harris

Mary Elizabeth Coleman Harris, 87, was born on August 16, 1935 in Dinwiddie, VA. She was the first born of Nelson Sr & Viola Hudson Coleman. She left for her Heavenly Abode on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

At an early age, Mary and her family relocated to Duluth, MN. She attended the Duluth Public schools, graduating from Central High School in 1953. Her entire career was with Maurices Inc. which also did business as The Closet. She began work in their flagship store in Duluth, MN; and, in 1986 she transferred to Wilmington, NC, where she was a dedicated manager until her retirement.

Mary accepted Christ as a young girl and received her Christian instruction at Calvary Baptist Church in Duluth, MN. She served as the church’s secretary there. Once she moved to Wilmington, NC, she became a member of St Phillips AME church where she sang in the choir and ushered. She loved her church family and attended faithfully until her health no longer permitted.

Mary’s spare time was spent gardening, reading, and enjoying family game nights.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Nelson Sr and Viola Hudson Coleman; brothers Wesley Coleman, Nelson Coleman Jr, and James Purcell Rogers; and sister Lucille Coleman Johnson.

Left to cherish memories are her beloved son, Roy Harris of San Diego, CA; sisters Irene Coleman Sanders of Surprise, AZ; Mattie Coleman Gillispie of Wilmington, NC; Diana Coleman Kelly (Glen) of Flint, MI; and Lynnea Coleman Bailey, of Atlanta GA; brother, Michael Coleman (Theresa) of Minneapolis, MN; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC 28412. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.