Carolyn E. Harris

Carolyn Elizabeth McClure HarrisJanuary 28, 1930 - August 22, 2025

Carolyn Elizabeth McClure Harris, born on January 28, 1930, in Charleston, TN, wrote the final word and completed the book of her life on August 22, 2025, at the age of 95. She was the daughter of Frank and Lucy McClure.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles William "Bill" Harris, and her son, Billy Harris. Also preceding her in death were her daughter-in-law, Terri Harris, and her brother, Jimmy McClure.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Judy Carol Harris Spurgeon (Dana Spurgeon) of Charlotte, NC, and her son, Donald Wayne Harris (Janice Harris) of Charleston, TN. She is also survived by her grandchildren:

Granddaughters: Morgan Bracy Carter (Scott Carter) of Brentwood, TN, Cortney Elizabeth Bailey (Ryan Bailey) of Columbia, SC, and grandson Ryan Spurgeon of Knoxville, TN.

Great-grandchildren: Addison Bracy, Caroline Bailey, Hattie Bailey, Vivian Spurgeon, and Charlie Spurgeon.

Step-grandchildren: Todd and Derrick Spurgeon, Tera Pierce, and Polly Loudermilk.

She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Logan, Shirley Maddox, Mary Jones, and Margaret Chase, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Carolyn was born and raised in a log house with a dog-trot porch on Haney Road in Charleston, TN, also known as "Skunk Hollow." She grew up with spring water and no indoor plumbing, but a rich family life and a sense of community which all of those she loved inherited from her. Carolyn graduated from Charleston High School in 1947, where she played on the girls' basketball team and met her future husband, Bill Harris.

In 1960, she became part of cinematic history as an extra in the classic film Wild River, directed by Elia Kazan, and she can be seen in several scenes.

Carolyn earned a Master of Arts in English from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt in 1975. She went on to teach English and Literature at Bradley High School, Cleveland High School, Ooltewah High School, and Cleveland State Community College, shaping a greater understanding and appreciation for literature in all of those who sat in her classroom.

Before beginning her teaching career, Carolyn was a dedicated stay-at-home mother, known for her nurturing care and hospitality. She will always be remembered for her Sunday family lunches, holiday dinners, and her warm, welcoming home. When her grandchildren visited, they would always hear her exclaim from the front door, "Well, get in this house!" with a big smile on her face. 

In addition to her love of family, Carolyn was passionate about books, learning, and travel, especially enjoying the Florida sunshine. A lifelong Democrat, she was a Master Gardener and a talented Rook player. Carolyn was a devoted member of Broad Street United Methodist Church at the time of her passing.

She will be fondly remembered for her kindness, her love for her family, and her generous spirit. 

Now, she is at peace in Heaven, where there is no pain or sorrow.

The funeral will be held at Companion Funeral Home, 2412 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN, on Friday, August 29 at 3 pm with visitation from 1- 3:00 pm. A graveside memorial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Ryan Spurgeon, Todd Spurgeon, Derrick Spurgeon, Ryan Bailey, Scott Carter, Frank Faulk, Bo Faulk, and David Chase serving as pallbearers. Pastor Hugh Kilgore will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

• Broad Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3, Cleveland, TN 37364-0003, or by visiting https://giving.myamplify.io/app/giving/bsumc

 Hearth Hospice: https://www.hearthhospice.com/make_a_donation.php.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Carolyn or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.