of Harrison, AR
September 27, 1927 - March 10, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Harness, age 90, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018, at her home. She was born September 27, 1927, in Boone County, Arkansas, the daughter of Wyatt and Bessie (Curnutt) Richesin. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Harness; and her brothers Thomas L. and Jack L. Richesin.
Mary was a member of the Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church, and a lifelong resident of Boone County. She was an elementary school teacher and librarian for 30 years and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She loved painting, needle work, flower gardening, antiquing and entertaining her grandchildren.
As a child Mary came to faith in Christ and her life exhibited this faith. In her kind and quiet way she shared her love for Christ to her world. She raised her children and grandchildren to honor and serve the Lord. As a caring teacher, she read a Bible story in her classroom each morning before studies began. She taught ladies Sunday school class for many years. Those who knew her recognized that she walked in grace and was a blessing to all whose lives she touched. Her warm and beautiful smile that lit up any room is already missed.
It is with joy that her family celebrates the life she lived. It is with greater joy we celebrate the knowledge that today she is enjoying the presence of her God, her beloved mother, husband, and brothers who departed so long ago.
Mary is survived by her son, Bill (William Wyatt) Harness, of Harrison; her daughters, Cynthia Haggard, of Harrison, and Kathy Watts, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; also by her 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral Service was Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Carl Garvin officiating.
Interment was in Burlington Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Bill Collins, Wyatt Harness, Rusty Hayes, Chad Marten, Blake Smith, Tommy Richesin, Gordon Watts and Josh Thrash.
Honorary pallbearers were Brooks Cato, Dr. Charles Klepper, the staff of Hospice of the Hills, Jack Hardcastle and her beloved Richesin cousins.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 997, Harrison, AR 72602 or Bear Creek Springs Baptist, Old Highway 65 North, Harrison, AR 72601.
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10 Condolence(s)
DW
Sunday, April 1, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4
“With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
Diane Milligan
Friday, March 16, 2018
So sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a sweet lady and a good friend to my Mother. I will be keeping your family in my prayers during this time of your loss.
Linda L Lasswell
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Ms. Harness was a sweet lady. She was my 5th grade teacher at Omaha. She was friends with my grandparents, the Latsons. So sorry for your loss.
Laurence & Levonda Richesin
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Aunt Mary was a great lady and inspiration to us all, she will be missed by all who loved her.
Weylyn Richesin
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
So sorry about your loss.
Gary and Megan Keehn
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Dear Bill, Peggy, Cynthia and Kathy
Aunt Mary was such an inspiration to be faithful in times of tragedy and triumph! Her love of family-- all family still blesses us! We share your sorrow of her absence and your joy for her promotion!
Patsy McBee
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
This wonderful woman will be missed so much for she has touched so many lives during her life. My heart and prayers go out to all the family and know we will be keeping you all in my prayers in the days to come.
Love to all,
Patsy
Jim Scarsdale
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Bill, Cynthia, and Kathy - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Your mom was truly one of the most kind and generous people I've ever met, and I'll always treasure the many times I spent there visiting my best friend.
There are a few people who simply do not have the capacity for hate, and your mom was one of them.
A beautiful and amazing woman in every way.
Jim Scarsdale
Jodi Davis Melhorn
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Mrs. Harness was my 4th grade teacher, at Central Elementary. I am certain that one of the reasons I also became a teacher is because of her positive influence. I loved her dearly and will never forget her.
Rodney and Kay Bowen
Monday, March 12, 2018
Tiffany, our condolences to you and your family. We love you and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Kay and Rod Bowen