harriett J (smitherman) harris
Harriett
J. Harris, beloved wife of Winton W. Harris, left this earthly life on
May 8, 2017 to meet her Savior Jesus giving her an everlasting home in
heaven. Harriett was born to Burl and Adelaide Smitherman on April 28, 1932, in the Antioch Community of Centreville, Al. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church Golden Gateway and the Waters Sunday School Class, where she was a choir and library board member. Harriett was a dedicated school teacher for over 40 years. Being an effective and committed teacher gave lifelong meaning to her. Her love of teaching and mentoring brought her two prestigious awards, 1992 Teacher of the Year and in 1994 she was inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame. She was a charter member of the East Ridge Education Committee and for 16 years she was a Ronald McDonald volunteer in the family room at Erlanger Hospital. She was past president of Delta Kappa Gamma International Teachers Society. Harriett was also a member of the American Association of University Women where she received a named grant award. She and her husband shared in the “Spirit of 76 Award” given to them by the Freedoms Foundation of Philadelphia, Pa. She was an active member in the Chattanooga Symphony Guild and an Auxiliary member of Gideon’s International. Harriett was a charter member of the Medal of Honor Museum of Military History and a life member of the Alvin C. York Chapter of the 82 Airborne Division.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Fitts Smitherman, and sister, Virginia Smitherman.
Harriett is survived by nieces, Ann S. (Ken) Sanders, Nancy (Roger Vogler) Webber, Holly Taylor, nephew Judd Webber, great-niece, Christine S. (Mac) McKiernan, and great-nephew, Kenneth (Wendy) Sanders.
“God has you in his keeping and I have you in my heart.” Love, Winton.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 11, at 1 p.m. in the McEwen Chapel at First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry officiating. Internment will follow the service in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be the Waters Sunday School Class.
Family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, at the church.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402, or to the Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403.
Please share your memories and condolences of Harriett with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.