Mary Virginia McKibbon Harris, 88 years old of Gainesville, GA, died peacefully in Gainesville surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 8, 2015.
Mary Virginia was married to Richard for more than 70 years. She was the daughter of the late John B. and Mary Virginia Baily McKibbon, also of Gainesville. Her big brother, Jack lives in Gainesville and Fort Lauderdale. The Harris’ had two daughters, Marsha Meadows of Highlands, NC, and the late Marie Harris of Gainesville. Grandchildren include Trey Wilson and Richard Meadows of Gainesville and Lynn Wiggs of Englewood, FL. They also have two very special great-grandchildren and two extremely cute great-great-granddaughters, all in Florida.
Mary Virginia was a Gainesville High School cheerleader, attended Brenau College and the University of Georgia. She married Richard, from Decatur, GA in 1944.
The Harris’ loved to travel, and have seen, if not all of the world, more than 70 countries during their traveling adventures. Both loved to garden and were blessed with the greenest of thumbs.
Mary Virginia was not only the love of Richard’s life and best friend but the first mate and chart reader on the Merry V, the couple’s motor yacht and the navigator when both were involved in private aviation.
Mary V. (Mava) leaves lots of loving family and Gainesville friends, including those special ladies in “The Lunch Bunch”. You know who you are!
Mary Virginia was a gentle and caring “steel magnolia”. She was a gift to all who knew her and represented all those things we wanted to be. She lit up a room like sparkling sunshine and we all bask in many great memories.
A graveside service will be held, Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11:00 am at Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville. Dr. Terry Walton will officiate. Jerry Ward of Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel can be contacted for more details if needed 770.297.6200.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you consider a contribution in Mary Virginia’s honor to: The Bell Carillon Tower Fund
First United Methodist Church Gainesville
2780 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville, GA 30506
For those who wish you may also go online at Gfumc.com/give/ (check miscellaneous gift and not “in memory of Mary Virginia Harris, Carillon Bell Tower Fund”)
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
