Mary was born March 25, 1941, in Gloucester, Virginia to Ollie J. Reed Harris and Marshall W. Harris. Mary attended Page Elementary School and T.C. Walker High School while in Gloucester. She attended vocational schools which prepared her for the future, which included becoming one of the first of four black female seamstresses to work at the Levi Jean Factory in Warsaw, Virginia. Mary was also trained for barbering and received her license which allowed her to practiced barbering in Washington DC and Maryland. Mary also became the first black female bank teller in Washington D.C., she then became a Banking Specialist in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia before retiring. Upon retiring Mary focused her attention on enjoying time with family and friends, and spending time with the people whose lives she touched.
Mary also invested her time in several organizations; Masonic Organizations-(PHA) Martha Chapter #2 of Wilmington, Delaware, Tidewater-Prince Hall #24 of Hampton, Virginia, Suakim Court #54 of Wilmington, Delaware, Zem Court #98 Deputy Imperial Directress of Egyptian Parade of Stars, Heroines of Jericho (PMAGM) of Wilmington, Delaware, Ladies of The Circle of Perfection #3 (LOCOP) of Hampton, Virginia, Order of Cyrenes #4 of Hampton, Virginia and Naomi Assembly Golden Circle #40 of Hampton, Virginia. She also served in IBOPE W of Elks, Past Daughter Ruler Magnolia Council of Washington D.C., and she was a Deputy of Columbia Grand Temple #422 of Maryland and lastly, a member of Pocahontas Temple #60 of New Castle, Delaware.
Mary is survived by her spouse, Robert Myrick; her son, Dennis Hall; her daughter, Beulah Hall (Sarita); her daughter, Jamie Blanton; her daughter, Regina (Putt-Putt) Campbell; her daughter, Peggie (Fugie) Hall; and her daughter, Carol Jean Quander; her brother, Frizzel (Stanley) Harris and her brother, Ralph Harris.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Marshall W. Harris and her mother, Ollie J. (Reed) Harris and her brother, Marshall Harris.
Left to cherish her memory is a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to the Sentara Medial Group, Dr. Reardon, Vascular Specialist with Sentara, Affiliated Podiatrist, Dr. Birkel, Dr. Fell with Sentara Family Medical Group, Rhonda Sproles of Riverside Mental Health, Debbie Greenridge of TPMG Behavioral Health, and the great staff at Old Dominion Nursing Home.
A private reception will be held for family and friends at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in the chapel following services on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Flowers may be delivered to Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.
