Florence Harris (Hartville)'s Obituary
Florence Harris, daughter of Tony and Winnie (O’Dell) Thomas, was born January 15, 1923 in Springfield, Missouri. She was taken into the Lord’s care Saturday morning in her home in Grovespring, Missouri, September 28, 2019, at the age of 96 years, 8 months, and 13 days.
On August 10, 1944, Florence was united in marriage to Jack Weldon Harris and to this union three children were born. Florence and Weldon were married for 33 years before his passing in 1978.
Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Weldon and her grandchildren, Tony, Ross, MaRanda, and Wyatt.
Florence is survived by her three children, Joanne Forbes, Sue Robertson and her husband, Steve, and Jack Harris and his wife, Wynne; 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Florence was raised in the Hartville area and graduated from Hartville High School in 1942. After she graduated, she began her teaching career in rural schools. She met and fell in love with Weldon, and the two were united in marriage in 1944. Florence later decided to go to college and receive her Bachelor’s in Education and graduated from Drury University in 1960. After she graduated, she continued teaching and retired after 30 years. After Weldon passed, Florence began teaching elementary school again at Grovespring Elementary for another 11 years before she finally decided to hang it up.
Florence accepted her Lord as her Savior at the age of 13 at Little Creek Baptist Church. She joined Mt. Pisgah shortly after she and Weldon married and as of Friday, September 27, she was the oldest living member.
Florence was a well-traveled lady, having been to the Bahamas, Canada, Niagara Falls, Texas, Nashville, and Colorado. She was a member of T.O.P.S. for 26 years and enjoyed the company of all the ladies in the club. Florence loved quilting and putting together puzzles in her free time. She was a teacher at heart and really enjoyed teaching little children to read. Whether it be the kids she taught over the years in school, or her own grandchildren, teaching was her passion. Florence was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and dear friend. We celebrate her wonderful life and will always cherish the many happy memories she created.
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