Sue D. Harris

She wrote it for a school class reunion about 14 years ago.

BILLY SUE DANCE HARRIS

Class of 1953

During the 1940s Gibsland, Louisiana was a wonderful little town with numerous stores and businesses. Our family especially enjoyed participating in the activities pertaining to the school and the First Methodist Church. I like to reminisce about those memorable years, but my own world changed drastically a few days before my fifteenth birthday on August 28, 1950. That is the date my dear Daddy W.W. “Bill” Dance, died after a long illness. We continued to live in Gibsland until 1952 when my mother, Zelma, and I moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas where she became a dormitory housemother at Henderson State University. That was quite an adjustment for me because I had to leave my friends and transfer to Arkadelphia High School for my senior year.

After High school graduation, I moved to Bryan, Texas and enrolled in McKenzie-Baldwin Business College. That location was chosen so I could live near my sister, Betty Lee, and her husband, who lived in College Station. After completing the business course, I moved to Houston where I was employed by Gulf Oil Corporation. The following years in Houston were filled with happy experiences especially with the friends that I met through the Coffee Club of St. Paul’s Methodist Church. In 1964, I was introduced to Robert Harris, a self-employed attorney and we were married on May 1, 1965.

In 1970, I entered the South Texas Junior College (now part of the University of Houston) and graduated in 1972 with an Associate Degree. My working years (outside the home) were most satisfying and included six years as a secretary to the controller of the Holland Mortgage Company and later, several years in the office of a dermatologist, Dr. Marvin Chernosky. For the past years I have enjoyed managing the leasing and maintenance of a duplex that we own.

Through the years, my husband, Robert, and I have had a great time traveling in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Also, we have thoroughly enjoyed several super-fun cruises and two fabulous trips to Europe.

Houston is a fantastic sports city and I admit that I am indeed an avid fan of the Rockets, Astros and soon-to-be Texans.

Recently, I received a 40- year service award from the National Society of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). It has been most rewarding to serve in various capacities in that organization. In addition to the DAR, I have worked with several charities pertaining to leukemia, tourette syndrome, abused children awareness and others.

The years have passed too quickly, but I am really looking forward to visiting with my Gibsland Classmates. God Bless you all.