Obituary of Mary Sinclair Harris

Mary Frances Sinclair Harris died peacefully on January 19th surrounded by her family. Born in DeFuniak Springs, FL on October 10, 1922, she went to high school in Charlotte and later graduated from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro earning a bachelors degree in history in 1945. After graduation, she moved to Columbia, SC and worked for Employers Mutual Insurance Company. After taking courses in library science, she returned to work as the first librarian at the St. Andrews branch of the Richland County Public Library. Later, she worked as the librarian at Irmo Elementary before becoming the head librarian at Leaphart Elementary, where she designed the media center. She served at Leaphart until her retirement in 1985. Mary Frances served as a leader, board member, and the board chair of the Congaree Girl Scout Council, was a life member and president of the St. Andrews Woman's Club, was one of the first docents of the SC State Museum and remained a volunteer until her death. Governor Richard Riley appointed Mary Frances to the SC State Library Board from 1978-1982. She was active at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, particularly the Joy Club and Oasis, and was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church as a member of the Disciple Class. Mary Frances was also active in the SC Republican Party. She was a leader in founding the St. Andrews Swim Club and served as president of the Nine Hole Golf Group at Coldstream Country Club. She continued to stay active by attending several exercise classes and was Treasurer of her book club at the Columbia Senior Center. Mary Frances loved life and celebrated each day. With her bright smile, sparkly eyes, infectious laugh and keen interest in people, she never met a stranger. She loved bridge and golf, traveling the world, eating in restaurants with tablecloths with a glass of cold Chardonnay and fine chocolate. With her mischievous sense of humor, she loved receiving jokes and sharing them with the Disciple Class. Mary Frances loved her family dearly and her strong faith enabled her to face challenges with hope and optimism. As a librarian, she was an avid reader and full of curiosity about a host of topics. Her bags were always packed for a trip, and her golf clubs were in the trunk of her car at her death as she was always ready for a round of golf. She will be missed by her family, friends and all the people who crossed her path. Mary Frances was pre-deceased by her parents, Marie Ozeline and Henry Hurdis Sutton, her husband John W. Harris and her step-son, John W. Harris, Jr. Survivors include her children Anne Sinclair (Julian Ruffin) of Columbia; Sutton (Nancy) Sinclair of Lexington; Dean (Leslie) Sinclair of Natchitoches, LA; Carol Sinclair of Atlanta, GA; Patricia Sinclair of Columbia; step-family Shipp (Sookie) Harris, Jim (Patsy) Harris and Ginger Harris; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia SC 29201; with Reverend Dr. William (Bill) Childs and Dr. Tim Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, January 21st from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel 200 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. The family would like to thank Dr. Craig Maylath, Dr. Gabe Saleeby, Dr. Anne Hutchinson and Dee Roberts for their loving care and support. The family is especially grateful for her caregivers Jenny Dodson and Alice Harper of Synergy Home Care for their gentleness, humor, and never failing love for Mary Frances and her family. We would also like to express our gratitude to the management and staff of Granby Oaks Apartments for their help and watchful eye over Mary Frances while she lived in her apartment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SC State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands, 130 Pinnacle Point Court, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29223.