Mary Prentice Harris

Mary Prentice Harris died Tuesday, January 9, 2013 at her home .

Mary was born in Port Huron, Michigan January 30, 1927 to Dr. and Mrs. Clarke and Amanda McColl. Mary worked for the School Board of Polk County teaching English at Denison Junior High, Lake Wales Junior High and Frostproof Jr/Sr High. She earned her degree from Hillsdale College in Michigan and her Master’s from the University of South Florida. She is preceded in death by Hugh S. Prentice and K.G. Harris.

Mary is survived by her three children Deborah (Prentice) Becton and husband Ron of Ft. Pierce, Hugh S. Prentice and wife Ingrid of Seattle, WA, Rebecca (Prentice) Phillips and husband Russell of Bradenton,

Grandchildren Spencer K. Prentice, Brian C. Prentice and Clayton A. Becton and wife Mary Beth; Great-Grandchildren Kaleigh Ann Becton and Easton R. Becton

Her extended family includes four children Karen (Harris) Rowe and husband Ron, Steven Harris and wife Michelle, Martin Harris and wife Holly residing in Michigan and Brian Harris and wife Maureen of Illinois. There are nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Mary was proud to be a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation, an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR), Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and volunteered at the Lake Wales Public Library and the former Lake Wales Art Center.

Viewing will be held Saturday January 12, 2013 from 10 – 11 and a memorial celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Lake Wales. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall for friends to gather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, 16 North 3rd Street, Lake Wales, FL. 33853, or Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales, FL. 33853.

To view the webcast of her service, click here