Mary Francis Harris, 66

DOVER - Mary Francis Harris, of Dover, departed this life Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 66.

She was born April 1, 1941, in Mount Holly, Va., daughter of Gertrude and the late Benjamin Lane.

Mary came to Philadelphia at the age of 10.

She was educated in the Philadelphia school system and continued her education at Delaware State University, where she received an associate's degree and earned an award for her achievement.

Mary worked diligently for the Delaware State Home and Hospital for the Chronically Ill until health reasons caused her to retire after 25 years of service.

Mary was united in marriage to Richard R. Harris Sr. and from this union came seven children.

She then moved to Dover with her family in 1968.

Shortly after she joined Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a faithful and dedicated member until her demise. Mary served in many ministries including the Pastor's Aide, Drill Team and Culinary Committee.

She was also a gifted and dedicated seamstress. She sewed all the uniforms for the Drill Team, robes for the angel choir and many ministerial robes, for which she was honored with a plaque.

Mary also enjoyed making several different garments for friends and family including tuxedos for her sons, but her greatest delight came in making bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

She took great pride in also making almost all of her own clothing.

Mary was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Some considered her to be a bit feisty at times but she had a great sense of humor.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Adrianne; and three brothers, George, William and Daniel.

She leaves to mourn her passing her sons, Richard Harris and Angelo Harris and his wife Cynthia, all of Tacoma, Wash., Michael Harris and his wife Jataun and Maurice Harris and his wife Angela, all of Las Vegas, Reginald Harris of Wilmington and Duncan Harris and his friend Melissa of Dover; her mother, Gertrude Lane of Philadelphia; brother, Allan Lane and his wife Annie of Philadelphia; sister, Carol Rivers of Philadelphia; a brother, Richard Mahoney of Richmond, Va.; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations sent by mail in care of Duncan Harris, 3-A N. New St., Dover, DE 19904.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Union Missionary Baptist Church, Dover, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Dover.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.