Obituary for Martha Sue Harris (Jones)
Martha Sue (Jones) Harris, a long-time resident of Athens, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, December 14th at Oak Wood Place in Athens.
Sue was born September 27th, 1940, in Liberty, Texas, to Charles Frank Jones and Nancy (Alphin) Jones. She grew up in Athens, graduating from Athens High School in 1958 where she was salutatorian of her class and among other activities, a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society. Sue attended The University of Texas at Austin as a Plan II major in the Liberal Arts College.
In 1959, she married Jimmy Lyn Harris of Eastland, Texas, and together with Sue’s father Frank they began a land-development business of lake properties on Cedar Creek including Cedarview, Clearwater Bay, and Star Harbor. Sue and Jim owned Harris Realty and Insurance in Malakoff and later opened Harris Insurance in Athens.
Sue’s love of church and music was evident throughout her life serving as organist at the First Christian Church Athens and later at the First Methodist Church in Malakoff where she played the piano, organ, and assisted in directing the choir. Sue and Jim later joined the First Presbyterian Church Athens where they were longtime members, and Sue continued her involvement in music and enjoying her church family.
Her passion for music also extended into her love of theatre. Sue performed in many roles at the Athens Little Theatre entertaining audiences with her talent and quick wit. Sue achieved Master Bridge status playing in many tournaments while enjoying old and new friends along the way. Among the things she treasured most were the love of reading, gatherings with friends and family, and celebrating Christmas. However, her greatest joy was her family and being called Mimi by her nine grandchildren, engaging in each of their lives and leaving a lasting legacy of love.
Sue was preceded in death by husband Jim of 62 years in July 2022 and brother James William Jones, Sr. She is survived by brother Charles F. Jones, Jr. and wife Karen, sister-in-law Debbie Jones; three children, Nancy Elizabeth (Beth) Goza of Athens, Steven Lyn Harris of Austin, Rebecca Ann (Becky) Gould and husband Joe of Dallas; nine grandchildren, Megan Goza Tatusko and husband Ryan, Molly Goza Allen and husband CJ, Mays Goza, Joshua Harris, Ross Harris and wife Alicia, Reese Gould, Caroline Gould, Harris Gould, and Cate Gould; six great-grandchildren, Ryder Tatusko, Presley Sue Tatusko, Quinn Tatusko, Everett Harris, Asa Harris and Miriam Goza.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 927, Athens, TX 75751.
Sue was born September 27th, 1940, in Liberty, Texas, to Charles Frank Jones and Nancy (Alphin) Jones. She grew up in Athens, graduating from Athens High School in 1958 where she was salutatorian of her class and among other activities, a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society. Sue attended The University of Texas at Austin as a Plan II major in the Liberal Arts College.
In 1959, she married Jimmy Lyn Harris of Eastland, Texas, and together with Sue’s father Frank they began a land-development business of lake properties on Cedar Creek including Cedarview, Clearwater Bay, and Star Harbor. Sue and Jim owned Harris Realty and Insurance in Malakoff and later opened Harris Insurance in Athens.
Sue’s love of church and music was evident throughout her life serving as organist at the First Christian Church Athens and later at the First Methodist Church in Malakoff where she played the piano, organ, and assisted in directing the choir. Sue and Jim later joined the First Presbyterian Church Athens where they were longtime members, and Sue continued her involvement in music and enjoying her church family.
Her passion for music also extended into her love of theatre. Sue performed in many roles at the Athens Little Theatre entertaining audiences with her talent and quick wit. Sue achieved Master Bridge status playing in many tournaments while enjoying old and new friends along the way. Among the things she treasured most were the love of reading, gatherings with friends and family, and celebrating Christmas. However, her greatest joy was her family and being called Mimi by her nine grandchildren, engaging in each of their lives and leaving a lasting legacy of love.
Sue was preceded in death by husband Jim of 62 years in July 2022 and brother James William Jones, Sr. She is survived by brother Charles F. Jones, Jr. and wife Karen, sister-in-law Debbie Jones; three children, Nancy Elizabeth (Beth) Goza of Athens, Steven Lyn Harris of Austin, Rebecca Ann (Becky) Gould and husband Joe of Dallas; nine grandchildren, Megan Goza Tatusko and husband Ryan, Molly Goza Allen and husband CJ, Mays Goza, Joshua Harris, Ross Harris and wife Alicia, Reese Gould, Caroline Gould, Harris Gould, and Cate Gould; six great-grandchildren, Ryder Tatusko, Presley Sue Tatusko, Quinn Tatusko, Everett Harris, Asa Harris and Miriam Goza.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 927, Athens, TX 75751.