Ann Elizabeth Harris' Obituary
Ann Elizabeth Harris was born on December 16, 1919 in Magnolia, Mississippi to Lucille Johnson and William McKinley, and was the only child of this union. She had one sibling, a half-sister Rose McKinley Jean, who preceded her in death. Ann grew up in Magnolia and graduated from high school in Pike County. She went on to continue her education, and she obtained an Elementary Professional License from the State of Mississippi entitling her to teach elementary students in the public schools of Mississippi. In 1946, Ann and her parents moved to Dallas. In January 1955, she made Hamilton Park in Far North Dallas her permanent home. She joined the Hamilton Park United Methodist Church and served in numerous ministries over the past 40 years. Ann enjoyed a prosperous career path after moving to Dallas. She left teaching to work side by side with her father at the historic Meadows Building located at Lovers Lane and University Drive. In the early 70’s, she returned to the public school system and began working in food service for DISD. She was employed at SMU for many years before she transferred to RISD. She worked in the cafeteria at Skyline Elementary School doing what she loved most, cooking for others. She worked for RISD until she retired at the age of 76 in order to care for her mother full-time. Ann is the mother of three, Constance Daye (daughter) and Cheryl Smith and Alva Ray Brown (son and daughter who both preceded her in death). She also leaves behind four granddaughters (Sherry Henderson, Kelly Beacham, Sharva Brown, and Delicia Fennessee), a grandson (Anthony Brown), and seven great grandchildren. Ann who was affectionately known by all as “Mama Ann” had one passion that she loved above all others, and that was being surrounded by her family. She loved to cook for her family and enjoyed hosting all special occasions in her home. She also enjoyed working within her community and church family. Lastly, Ann devoted her life to being a constant support to her family 24/7. Miss Ann touched the lives of many and will forever live on in the hearts of those that knew her. We love you MAMA ANN!!!! The visitation for Ann Harris will be held from 6:00 to 8:00p.m., Friday, January 27, 2017 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral service for Ann will be held at 11:00a.m., January 28, 2017 in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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