Elizabeth Deats Harris

Elizabeth Deats Harris, age 95, passed from this life on June 27, 2023, after a long struggle with Alzheimers and Congestive Heart Failure. She was born on August 3, 1927, in Graham, Texas to Paul K. Deats and Agnes Craig Deats. Lib, as she was called, grew up in Graham and graduated from high school there. Her father was a cattle rancher, and her mother was the granddaughter of one of the founders of Graham.

Lib attended SMU and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. With at SMU she met the love of her life, Bill Harris, who was studying to become a Methodist minister. They were married for almost 70 years. Together they served United Methodist Churches in Houston, San Angelo, Harlingen, San Antonio, and Austin. Bill passed away in 2018, and Lib has missed him terribly since then.

Lib supported Bill in ministry while they raised two children, Matt and Lydia. She worked hard nurturing them and providing them many educational experiences to further their development. Lib loved nature and enjoyed exploring wild spaces with her children, and later, her grandchildren. Lib developed close and lasting friendships in the various communities in which she found herself. She has always been known for her authenticity, her amazing capacity for empathy, and her concern for social justice.

Later in life, Lib returned to the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned a Master’s Degree in Education, for teaching English Language Learners.

After retirement Lib engaged in multiple volunteer efforts, including Women in Black, Church Women United, and Montopolis Friendship Community Center. Lib and Bill also participated extensively in the life of St. John’s United Methodist Church. They moved to Westminster, 13 years ago.

Lib is survived by her two children Matt Harris, (wife Beth) of Bossier City and Lydia Deats, (husband Craig) of Austin. She was predeceased by her oldest grandson, Carlton Harris, in 2003, and her two brothers Paul Deats Jr., and Bob Deats.

Lib is also survived by two grandchildren, Caleb Hayes-Deats, (wife Casey) of Washington, DC, and Caroline Sanchez (husband, Joaquin) of Austin. Lib has five great-grandchildren, ages two to five. The family wishes to thank the incredible nurses and CNAs at all levels of care at Westminster for the loving care of Lib during the last five years.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 3, at St. John’s United Methodist Church. The service will be live streamed at https://www.stjohnsaustin.org/live/.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church or Planned Parenthood.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Harris family.