Margaret Higdon Harris

Margaret Higdon Harris went peacefully to her eternal home the morning of Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, surrounded by her family, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

 Margaret, born in Charleston, South Carolina, had a insatiable zest for life, a deep love for her family and her church, and was quite accomplished. Talented in a myriad of ways, Margaret was a gifted musician, artist, seamstress/fashion designer, and an acutely knowledgeable Master Gardner and floral designer. From an early age Margaret developed a love of animals and nature. By age seven she could often be seen riding around the family property atop her pet Brahma bull, Geetch or her pony, Champ. Throughout her life, animals were always a part; from pet squirrels, bunnies, and Brahma bulls, to dogs, deer, and horses.

Musically gifted, as a young adolescent she was invited to perform in the percussion section with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. A woman of faith, she continued to develop her musical talents by working with and directing her church choir, playing piano, and the organ, as well as singing. Several times during her life she enjoyed attending the Gumanfa Ganu International Welsh Hymn-Sing festival; truly a highlight each time. Music, throughout her life, continued to be a source of great joy.

Margaret also continued to grow as an incredibly talented and inspired designer and seamstress. She studied design at the University of Florida and would use these skills to fulfill many a young girl's prom dress vision and wedding gown dreams; her creations on par with the latest trending fashion.

Though her talents were many, nothing fulfilled and delighted Margaret more than her love of beauty found in nature. This appreciation would lead her to become a member of her local garden club; serving as President for many years. She would continue her love of learning about floral design by going through the rigorous training and testing necessary to become a certified, and often sought-after, Flower Show Judge. She served for many years on the National Judges Council, facilitated and hosted many flower shows, and enjoyed working with several others on the national level. She could easily recite the Latin names for most flora and fauna.

Also Margaret was very civic minded, working in many different arenas in her community, volunteering wherever she was needed; from providing care to the elderly to working an election. She truly loved and cared for the people in her company and town.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, G. Philip Higdon and Margaret Higdon (nee Flood), of Charleston, South Carolina, her much loved first husband of two years, Robert Harley, of Reevesville, South Carolina, her adored husband of 60 years, the Reverend William Henry Harris of Bakerton, Pennsylvania, and her sister Trudy Barker of Knoxville, Tennessee. She is survived by a brother, G. Philip Higdon II and his wife Mildred, of Charleston, South Carolina.

Also, she is survived by her older son, Robert Harley Harris and his wife Doreen Harris (nee Secco), of York, South Carolina, and their three children, Teresa Risher, Tonya Hamilton and Lloyd Fink; along with, five great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her younger son, William Stacy Harris and his wife Lori Beth Harris (nee Bush), of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and their three children, Alexandra Harris, Rhys Harris, and Rhiley Harris. 

Memorial service will be held at Emanuel Episcopal Church, 144 East 4th Street, Emporium, Pennsylvania 15834; April 5th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, at alz.org or to the Cameron County Ambulance Service Inc, 299 East 2nd Street, Emporium, Pennsylvania 15834

Margaret will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her unwavering love of life and family, her kindness and generosity of spirit, and her many talents used to be of service and help to others.

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