Marian Henrietta Harris was born on July 13, 1950, in Saint Louis, Missouri to the union of Marion Sr. and Jodie (Richardson) Harris. Born into a great and loving family, Marian was the fourth of nine children.

Marian accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend John W. Rouse Sr. She later joined Macedonia Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Norman E. Owens Sr. At Macedonia Baptist Church, Marian was a devoted member who found joy in worship and service. Her heart was especially drawn to the church's food pantry ministry, where she selflessly gave her time and energy to support those in need.

Marian began her formative education un East St. Louis School District #189. She attended Washington Elementary School, Hughes Quinn Junior High School, and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1968. Immediately after graduating high school, Marian enrolled in and attended Illinois State University on an academic scholarship. Although she enjoyed living independently, she missed her family and after completing her first year she returned home to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Special Education. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Marian accepted a position as a special education teacher in School District #189.

After working full time as a special education teacher, Marian returned to college to pursue a second degree in nursing; graduating with an Associate of Science Degree in nursing from St. Louis Community College. Because of her passion for education and life-long learning, Marian returned to school a 3rd time and earned a graduate degree from McKendree University in Special Education. Her dedication to personal growth and academic excellence was a testament to self-improvement.

After over 35 years of employment with School District #189, Marian retired in 2012. Due to Marian's unwavering dedication to educating children, her retirement was brief, and she subsequently returned to the district to serve as a homebound teacher. Even from her hospital bed, Marian demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to her students--providing instruction, reviewing homework, reading with them and assigning new lessons to ensure they remained on track academically. Marian resilience, compassion, and relentless devotion to her students exemplified the true spirit of an educator.

In the fall of 1999, Marian was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated Alpha Upsilon Sigma (AUS), Alumnae Chapter of East St. Louis, Illinois where she remained an active member on various committees (Mother/Daughter, Relay for Life, Truck or Treat, and the membership committee just to name a few). Marian also served as a delegate for AUS Alumnae Chapter to the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) and later as treasurer for NPHC for over ten consecutive years. Even while lying in her hospital bed, connected to multiple medication drips, Marian's dedication never wavered--she completed the Treasurer's Report for the April NPHC meeting, embodying true strength and commitment. Additionally, Marian was a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Ethele Scott Section, where she maintained an active Life Membership until her passing.

Marian departed this life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with her daughters, Patresa and Robin, at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Sr., and Jodie Harris; 4 brothers, Melvin, Naccoma, Gerald and Phillip Harris; 2 sisters, Doretha, and Diane Harris; 1 nephew, Antonio Little and 1 niece, Trebia Jones.

Marian leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Patresa (Martez) Harris-Williams and Robin Harris, both of Fairview Heights, Illinois; two grandsons, Brandon Harris-Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Bryant Harris-Williams of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister, Mary (John) Spencer of Fairview Heights, Illinois; one brother, Marion (Peggy) Harris Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Patricia Gillespie Valme (best friend), Kimberly Jones (god daughter), past co-workers, friends, Sorors, and several lifelong close family friends, Yvonne Patton, Carlis Leggs, Betty Lewis, Mike and Robyn Carey.