Cora L. Harris' Obituary
Mrs. Cora Harris, age 84, of Grand Haven quietly slipped from this life into the arms of Jesus on Friday, October 9, 2015. She was born May 20, 1931 in Grand Rapids to Thies and Marie (Saagman) DeYoung. On September 11, 1951 she married Kenneth Harris in Grand Haven and he preceded her to heaven on November 22, 1998.
Cora was a 62-year member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes where she had been active in the Bell & Jubilation choirs and continued to be active in her circle/United Methodist Women, at bazaar workbees, and in the book club; she was always an eager contributor to help with the needs of her church and others, whether it was helping in the office, serving luncheons, contributing articles, or baking goodies. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Red Cross where she was recognized for her 29 years of service calling people to work at the local blood drive canteens & taking many shifts herself. She was a talented seamstress making much of her own & her children’s clothes over the years and was currently a member of the Lighthouse Quilt Guild. Cora also enjoyed tending to her flowers, tutoring her grandchildren and great grandchildren; she was an avid reader, a good cook, a creative crafter, and especially enjoyed following the Tigers and Whitecaps. She was one of those ‘behind the scenes’ people who did whatever was needed without hesitation and never with a thought of recognition or repayment. She had beautiful penmanship and believed in keeping in touch with ‘old-fashioned’ letter-writing. Cora lived a humble and selfless life of faith and service to others as a living example of her convictions and beliefs. Her deep faith was evident in her dedication to her husband, family, church, and anyone who had the privilege to meet her.
She is survived by four children: Gwen (John) Bartels of Holland, Marcia (Don Bronson) Szymczyk of Cloverville, Beverly (Larry) Brown of Holland, and Craig (Paula) Harris of Lowell; six grandchildren – Nichole, Janessa, Matthew, Adam, Danielle, and Rhonda; four great-grandchildren – Lauren, Alex, Emma, & Ethan.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m. at The United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Rev. Dr. Glenn M. Wagner officiating. Visitation will be following the service. Memorial contributions in memory of Cora may be given to the church Music Fund. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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