Mary Ellen Harris was born April 26, 1925, in Cleveland County to the late Albert Dent and Lottie Crowder Harris. Mary graduated from Polkville High School and earned a degree in Home Economics from Women's College (now UNCG) and a master's degree in Adult Education from Cornell University.

Mary's career was with N.C. State and and Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension Services with appointments as Home Demonstration Agent and District Home Economics Agent in North Carolina and District Program Leader in Virginia. As a member of Virginia Southwest District Team she received her highest honor, The Superior Service Award from The United States Department of Agriculture. She was active in professional organizations at State and National Levels and was a Kellogg Consultant to the Irish Extension Service. She retired from Virginia Tech as Emeritus Associate Professor Family Resources. Mary was a dedicated member of Union Baptist Church, a member of Women's Missionary Union and a leader of a food ministry program.

In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her brothers, Joe Bill, Thomas (Marjorie) and Fred and Clyde Harris. She is survived by her sister, Frances Gettys and husband Minor of Polkville and a sister-in-law, Peggy Harris of Rockingham. She is also survived by nieces and nephews: Phyllis Harris, David and Tonia Harris, Darrell Harris, Judy Harris, Donna and Andy Meadows, Eric Gettys and Tammy Foos, Myra Gettys and Edwin White. Left behind to cherish her memory are her great nieces and nephews: Jason Bailey, Joel Bailey, Elizabeth Harris, Garrett and Jessica Harris, Hannah Meadows, Madison Meadows, Manuel Gettys, Bobby Foos, Joey Foos, Hannah Foos, and a great- great niece Eliana Harris.

The Harris family wishes to extend their gratitude to Mary's loving, dedicated caregivers: Brittney and Lilley Hoppes, Mary Dotson, and Nancy Grigg.

Funeral Services for Mary will be held 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at Union Baptist Church of Shelby, NC with Rev. Michael Schumate, Rev. Ary Bottoms and Dr. Alice Cullinan officiating the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorials may be made out to:

Union Baptist Church

3800 Polkville Rd

Shelby, NC 28150

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Harris family.

Online guest registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com