Fleta Nell Harris

Fleta Nell Lindley Harris, daughter of Robert Dean and Verna Bussey Lindley, was born November 24, 1926 in Yantis, Texas. She passed away May 2 in a local hospital following a brief illness. She married Sidney Lewis ("S. L.") Harris on June 22, 1948. She was a graduate of Sulphur Springs, Texas High School, Howard Payne University and East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University, Commerce). A librarian by profession, she served both public and private schools at the elementary, junior, senior high school and college and university levels, her last two assignments being at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas and Brownwood High School. Though a librarian by profession, Fleta's calling was as a wife and mother. Her life was dedicated to loving and caring for her husband and children. She excelled at both. Left to miss her love, devotion and commitment to their wellbeing are her husband, Dr. S. L. Harris of San Angelo and her daughters, Ann Mills and Donna Harris of Saginaw, Texas and Paula Boyd and husband Robbie of Earth, Texas; grandchildren Ed Mills (Brandie) of Fort Worth, Texas; Ben Boyd (Courtney) of Snyder, Texas; Sarah Boyd Lester (Timothy) of Waco, Texas; and Thomas Boyd (Kendra) of Lubbock, Texas and great-grandchildren Samuel, Peyton and Cameron Mills, Joseph and Beck Boyd and James Thomas ("J.T.") Lester. All share a legacy of unsurpassed love and faith. Also surviving are nieces Victoria Reck of Austin, Carolyn Vann of San Angelo, Gwen Hayes of Tulsa, Oklahoma and nephews Lindley Vann of Silver Spring, Maryland and David Vann of San Angelo. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Frances Vann. Fleta was a member of Southland Baptist Church. The ministry of the church and the Friendship Sunday School Class prior to and during her illness has been sustaining and is deeply appreciated, as was the excellent care provided by the Emergency Room personnel and fourth floor south nurses and aides of Shannon Hospital and the personnel of the Elsie Gayer Health Care Center at Baptist Retirement Community. Fleta's unfailing "thank you" for every service provided is echoed by her family. The family will receive visitors at Robert Massie funeral Home on Monday May 6, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Southland Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 with Dr. Donald Williford, Dean of Logsdon School of Theology, Hardin-Simmons University officiating. Dr. Taylor Sandlin, Pastor of Southland Baptist Church, will assist. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Howard Payne University, "Water for All" c/o Southland Baptist Church, Baptist Retirement Community or the charity of one's choice.