Fern Harris

Fern Harris, 98, a retired teacher died Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born near Advance, Missouri, Aug. 11, 1920, daughter of Dewey S. and Myrtle Revelle Harris, in the home built by her pioneer ancestors in 1859.

She graduated from Delta High School and earned a B.S. degree in Secondary Education from Southeast Missouri State University. Her Master of Arts in Business Education was completed at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. Additional post-graduate work was from Northern Illinois University and Vanderbilt University.

She began her 43-year teaching career in rural schools in Southeast Missouri. She later went to Southern and Northern Illinois, where she taught business education in high schools. In 1967, she joined the faculty of Southeast Missouri State University teaching in the College of Business until her retirement in 1986. She was a member of several professional organizations. She served many years as a trustee and secretary for McGee Chapel Cemetery Association. She was a member and deacon of First Presbyterian Church, Cape Girardeau.

She is survived by her sister, Wilma Harris of Cape Girardeau; first cousin, Donald (Jo) Revelle of Wesley Chapel, Florida; and other cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lora Harris Estes and Emigene Harris Pollard.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Jeff Long officiating. Burial will take place at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials shall be appreciated to Chateau Girardeau Foundation, 3120 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703; First Presbyterian Church, 235 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701; or the charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.