Mary E. Harris

The second of four beautiful girls, Mary Elizabeth Webster Harris made her way into this world on January 14, 1928, to the late Warren Leroy and Bessie Marie Webster. Betty, as she was affectionately known, was blessed to have 3 sisters: Sarah Louise, Anna Mae and Carrie Viola. The girls shared a special bond and loved each other very much. Although she wasn't the oldest, Betty was the boss! She loved her family dearly and positioned herself always to be a support to them. Betty had a kind heart and a fiery spirit. In her early days she could be found keeping people on their toes and getting into ‘good trouble' with her cousin Niecy. Betty was strong and lived a life of purpose. After 94 years on this earth, Betty leaves behind a legacy of expectation, faith, and love.
Warren and Bessie worked hard to ensure their girls knew the Lord and were connected to ministry. As a result, Betty was a lifetime member of the 2nd Presbyterian Church of Oxford (Shiloh Presbyterian Church) where she was a very active member. She held the position of Church Moderator for 13 years, worked with the Women's Ministry, and sang on the Church Choir. You could hear her First Soprano voice bellowing from the church, all the way to the corner of South 5th Street! With a voice as strong as hers, she was able to secure a position with the Dorothy Martin Singers. What an honor it was to travel around spreading the Word of God through song. Betty loved to sing…and enjoyed sitting in her second pew aisle seat, listening to the Choir at Shiloh.
Betty received her formal education in the Oxford Area School District. She ultimately earned her High School Diploma from Oxford High School. Her desire to serve others led her to enroll in a Nursing Program in West Chester, PA. Betty was always in search of opportunities to develop herself. A trait she passed on to the generations that would follow her. She worked hard, was diligent and contributed greatly to her family, friends and community.
The Marriage of the Century! Betty married the love of her life, Lester L. Harris on August 19, 1948. Together they purchased a home at 516 New Street, Oxford, PA where they raised 4 beautiful Children: Alvin (Butch), Patricia, Barbara and Cheryl. Throughout their 70-year marriage they went everywhere together…travel was their favorite pastime. Whether by plane, train, or automobile, they had life to experience, and nothing was going to stop them from getting there! Family was of the utmost importance to them. There was no distance that would stop them from being present at weddings, family reunions, vacations, graduations or even sporting events.
After working various jobs in service, Betty was employed by the Oxford School District as a Home and School Coordinator. She loved her position and serving the children of the community. So much so, she opened her home as a foster mother to troubled children. After many years of dedicated service to the District, Betty retired from her position. Later in life she returned to her passion for helping people and began working as a Private Duty Caretaker.
Betty was a proud member of the Grand United Order of Tents for more than 60 years. Throughout that time, she served as Leader of the Rachel Tent #29. She traveled to many joining states to support other Tent Chapters. Betty was also a member of her beloved Lunch Bunch. A group of friends committed to meeting monthly to celebrate sisterhood.
Betty was an excellent cook who specialized in baking. Her cherry pie was to die for, and her homemade rolls would melt in your mouth. It was not uncommon to see Betty in the Church kitchen, sleeves rolled up and telling people what to do. She would fuss, A LOT, but she loved every minute of the pancake breakfast rush, baking dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies, the recipe tasting events, and the spaghetti dinner fundraisers. Being the wife of an avid hunter, Betty had a special talent for making wild game taste delicious! She never knew what Les was going to bring home, but she could whip up a good meal from almost anything!
Betty was also quite the fashionista! If she said it was time to get ‘gussied up,' you knew she was going to be a sight to behold! She loved beautiful things and took advantage of every opportunity she was given to go shopping.
Even through her illness, and the passing of her husband and son, Betty managed to keep her glowing disposition. She was always grateful to God and would routinely state, "What a Blessing!"
Betty was proceeded in death by her husband, Lester L. Harris, her parents, Pfc. Warren and Bessie Webster, her sisters: Sarah Louise Webster, Anna Mae Lee (Oliver) and Carrie Viola Webster, her son, Ret. SGM Alvin Leroy Harris Sr., Granddaughter, LaToia Williams, and Son-in-law Alonzo Williams Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughters: Patricia Williams, Barbara Temple, Cheryl Robinson, Daughter-in-law: Millie Harris, Grandchildren: Cristina Johnson (Robert), Alvin Harris, Solomon Harris (Maria), Alonzo Williams Jr., Marissah Temple, Trevor Williams, Darnell Harris, Kirstin Robinson, Tara Robinson, Christopher Robinson, Great Grandchildren: Samra Lewis, Zahrea Lewis, Isabell Harris, Brianna Bolden, Psalms Harris, Tyneice Brown, Prince Williams, Kal-El Williams, Kylah Temple, Beautiful Williams, Trenton Williams, Marquis Williams, Lyric Williams, Sarina Williams, Nymier Robinson, Sincere Milbourne, Great Great Grandchildren: Sanyte Lewis, Segan Lewis, Josiah Lewis and a host of other family and friends.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: April 2, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Celebration of Life for Mary E. Harris

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92683934880?pwd=VjIwWWoxeEdDMjdWdm9jakxDU3QwZz09

Meeting ID: 926 8393 4880
Passcode: 730766

Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 926 8393 4880

Passcode: 730766 Cemetery Details


Oxford Cemetery



220 N 3rd Street
Oxford, PA 19363

Loading map
Previous Events


Public Viewing


APR 2. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET)

Shiloh Presbyterian Church
42 S Fifth Street
Oxford, PA 19363

Loading map


Celebration of Life


APR 2. 11:00 AM (ET)

Shiloh Presbyterian Church
42 S Fifth Street
Oxford, PA 19363

Loading map