WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mary Alice Harris, 91, of White Pigeon, died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, at her home following an extended illness.
She was born Dec. 9, 1919, in Colon, a daughter of Ruben and Georgia (Fitzgerald) Brownell.
She had been a resident of the White Pigeon area since 1939 and a graduate of Sturgis High School in 1938.
On Aug. 12, 1939, she married George E. Harris Jr. in Howe, Ind. He died July 5, 1996.
She was a homemaker and farm wife and enjoyed cooking, sewing and working with children. She donated scholarships to White Pigeon school students the past five years and was known to students as “Granny.” She enjoyed sharing her house with students for playing games of euchre.
She was a member of White Pigeon United Methodist Church and president of United Methodist Women. She was known for cooking for church functions, was a Cub Scouts leader, den mother, 4-H leader for 28 years and received the 25-year award in 1977. She was a member of the White Pigeon Grange #1345, Pamona County Grange #4, Michigan State Grange, was named Outstanding Granger of the Year in 1992, was a 50-year Grange member, was the St. Joseph County Grange Fair grand marshall in 2011 and was a member of the State Line Extension Club. She received the Silver Salute Award of the Michigan Association of Extension Homemakers in 1977 for outstanding achievement in community leadership. She was a member of the Alba Columba Club, Stone Lake Birthday Club, Prairie Club and was the first Citizen of the Year in White Pigeon in 1990.
Surviving are her daughter, Beverly (Douglas L.) Souter of White Pigeon; three sons, Harry E. Harris of White Pigeon, Roy L. (Mary) Harris of Mayville, Mich., and Keith E. Harris of Port Charlotte, Fla.; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise (Phillip) Clipfell of Colon; brother, Carl (Florence) Drumhiller of Colon; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, brother, Kenneth Brownell; two sisters, Barbara Brownell, Ethel Drumhiller and grandson, Jimmy Harris.
Relatives and friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at the White Pigeon United Methodist Church. Internment will be in White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Donations may be directed to the White Pigeon United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
