Delia Colville Harris

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Delia Colville Harris, 76, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, passed away in the comfort of her home on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Delia Faye was the born in Pensacola, Florida on July 12, 1947, and was the fourth of eight children. She was a graduate of Pensacola High School and was an avid learner her entire life. Delia graduated with her undergraduate degrees from Pensacola Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi (1969). Later she returned to obtain her MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University (1991) and her MS in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi (2003). After obtaining her undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Delia moved to Washington, DC and worked as a computer programmer for the Central Intelligence Agency. On February 14, 1973, she married George Harris. Her great passion was her family and once she had children, she transitioned from her career at the CIA to teaching. George’s work in the field of transit system engineering required many moves to various cities and states. Delia found great satisfaction in serving as a mathematics teacher to middle and high school students. Her longest period in one school and her final professional years was spent teaching advanced mathematics in the Middle School of Taipei American School (TAS) in Taipei, Taiwan. During her time at TAS, she was involved in several extracurricular activities for her students, including the Green Club, Math Counts Club, and coaching sports. She was also actively engaged in supporting the local orphanage. In her younger years, Delia was known to be an avid softball and basketball player. She enjoyed many outdoor activities, traveling, being with her family and friends, and serving in the local church she attended. Those who knew Delia appreciated her love of the Lord, her passion for excellence and her strong determination to succeed at everything she attempted. Delia is survived by her husband of 50 years, George Harold Harris of Olive Branch, MS; children John Harris (Julia) of Plano, TX, Michael Harris (Alissa) of Jensen Beach, FL, Laura Geri (David) of Pensacola, FL, Daniel Harris (Megan) of Olive Branch, MS, William Harris of Mammoth, CA; siblings Ruth Nabb (John), Charles Colville (Brenda), Carol Colville, and Barbara Colville; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hardy and Juanita Colville, and siblings, James Colville, Lohrman Colville, and Paul Colville. A visitation will be held at Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch for friends of the family on Thursday, November 16 from 3 PM until 7 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM, on Friday, November 17th, at Coleman Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Pastor Steve Smith of Faith Apostolic Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: ALJC Global Missions (www.aljc.org), UPCI Global Missions, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. (www.stjude.org)

Delia Colville Harris

July 12, 1947 - November 12, 2023

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services