Pearl Mills Harris
Dec 26, 1904 – Mar 07, 2009
Pearl Mills Harris, age 104, of Oak Shade in Louisa County, died March 7, 2009, at her home. She was the daughter of Phillip C. Mills and Mary Jones Mills. Born in Emporia, Virginia, she grew up in Danville and Richmond. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel C. Harris; her three brothers, Randolph P. Mills, Peter D. Mills and Phillip C. Mills; and two of her sisters, Irene M. Cudlip and Emlyn M. Markwith. She is survived by her two sons, Samuel Claybrooke Harris Norma Bradley Harris, and Henry Mills Harris Peggy Duke Harris; and her sister, Wilhelmina M. Antley. She leaves five grandchildren, Henry M. Harris, Jr., Mary C. Malone, Kathleen M. Hurd, Elizabeth A. Novak, and Molly L. Boose; twelve great-grandchildren; her nieces, Wilhelmina Antley and Alice Cudlip; and nephews Peter, Richard and Phillip Mills, Ray and Phillip Antley, and Sidney and Louis Markwith along with their families.Mrs. Harris attended public schools in Danville and Richmond and graduated from Harrisonburg State Teachers College, now James Madison University. She taught 28 years in both Mineral and Apple Grove Elementary Schools, interrupting her career to raise her family. In her long life she was active in South Anna Baptist Church and several community organizations, was a member of the Jamestown Society and the Louisa County Historical Society, Mineral Chapter of the UDC. Louisa Courthouse DAR, Apple Grove/ Cuckoo Homemakers. She traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. She wrote the local news for the county paper and was a partner in writing A History of Education in Louisa County.”In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: South Anna Baptist Church 9071 Cross County Road Mineral VA 23117 or to Hospice of the Piedmont 675 Peter Jefferson Pkwy Suite 300 Charlottesville Virginia 22911
Dear Claybrook, Henry and all the family,It is a sad day for everyone who knew Aunt Pearl, but it is a day of release for her from her pain and confinement. I cherish all the memories of her and Oak Shade and all of you. You all have my love and prayers.
Your second grade class in 1970 made me want to continue in school and strive for excellence. THANK YOU!
Dear Harris and Malone families,Jim and I want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Even those of us who only knew of anny” were enriched by her life. Please know we are thinking of you. With love, The Daniels”
Miss Pearl was a genteel and kind lady – but she brooked no nonsense from her students. I consider myself very fortunate to have had her as my second grade teacher in 1966 – to this day she remains one of my very favorite teachers.Prayers and healing thoughts to the family.Scott
Mrs. Harris impacted the lives of many individuals during her lifetime. She was such a soft spoken patient person as a teacher. She also was a pillar within the church. I am proud to have known such a unique outstanding lady. May her family find comfort knowing that even though she has gone to heaven, her legacy and memories will remain very much alive in all who knew her. God Bless you all.
I send all my love to Aunt Pearls family. She was a wonderful person and had a great life. I remember going out to the farm, what great times they were. Wish I could come and see everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Lucy Mills
Mrs. Pearl Harris was a wonderful lady. I knew her from school 2sd grade, church South Anna, Jamestown Society and my Dad worked her wonderful farm for a number of years after her husband passed on. My best to her sons, grandchildren,her sister and many friends. She will be missed and she touched alot of lives for the better. A fine lady indeed.
My Dad, Randolph Mills, Jr, who passed on June 24, 2011, often spoke fondly of Aunt Pearl”. Sorry I never got to meet her.”