Wilma Harris

Wilma Harris, 96, a retired teacher, passed away Friday, May 8, 2020, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 23, 1923, near Advance, Missouri, in the home built by her pioneer ancestors in 1859. She was the daughter of Dewey S. and Myrtle Revelle Harris.

She graduated from Delta High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University. Her Master of Arts was completed at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. Additional post-graduate work was from University of Missouri.

Miss Harris was a member of several professional organizations in education. She was featured in "Who's Who in American Education." She was treasurer for McGee Chapel Cemetery Association for many years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Miss Harris began her 27-year teaching career in area rural schools in Southeast Missouri, Highland, Illinois, and Mount Vernon, Illinois. At the time of her retirement, she had taught fifth grade 23 years in Alma Schrader Elementary School in Cape Girardeau, beginning in 1959.

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

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn funeral Home. Please practice social distancing and extend condolences through non-physical contact.

A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating.

Memorials are appreciated to Chateau Girardeau Foundation, 3120 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, or to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 477, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.