Eatonton - Mary Lou Eldridge Harris, 94, of Eatonton, Georgia, passed away May 22, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

Mrs. Harris was born March 8, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of adoptive parents Faye and Russell Eldridge.

Mrs. Harris graduated from Brackenridge High School with a host of honors and experiences, including serving as a senior class officer in the role of Sgt. At Arms; a member of the National Honor Society; and a leader in The Purple Jackets, a precision marching pep squad.

In her high school homeroom she met Hugh Harold Harris, who charmed her into a first date on Valentine's Day. The couple married after graduation on July 15, 1950, at the chapel at Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio.

Mr. Harris passed away May 4, 2025, just two months before the couple could celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary with a long-planned reunion of their big, close-knit family.

Through the years, their bond was strengthened by joys and hardships. They always encouraged each other with their motto: It's you and me against the world.

Mrs. Harris was a self-described perfectionist who — like so many strong women of an era when options were few — made an art and science of selflessly supporting her husband's career through his many cross-country company transfers.

She managed the home, balanced the checkbook, and successfully guided their three children into adulthood. She could stretch a dollar like it was made of rubber, and her home was so well organized that — as she liked to say — the towels in the linen closet looked to be standing at attention.

Although she did not earn a paycheck, she said she felt wealthy in the love of her family as well as in the gratitude of Mr. Harris, who adored her so much that he kissed her goodnight each evening and frequently put love notes to her on the refrigerator.

She made her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren feel loved by putting her whole heart into family occasions, spending weeks preparing for fun Easter egg hunts, idyllic Christmas gatherings, and festive birthdays.

Mrs. Harris was reserved, so most people never knew of her many creative talents. Her passion was painting, and her beautiful creations ranged from landscapes and still life on canvas, to delicate florals on china, to intricate holiday scenes on Christmas ornaments.

But she also expressed herself through tap dancing, writing poetry, sewing clothing, cross stitching, cake decorating, and flower arranging.

Mrs. Harris also enjoyed the friendships she and Mr. Harris had at their Lake Country Baptist Church.

Mrs. Harris was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Charles 'Whitey' Eldridge, and her cherished son-in-law, James Mark Baxter.

Survivors include daughters, Sandra Baxter of Eatonton, and Karen (Scott) Thurston of San Diego; son, Daryl (Angela) Harris of Woodstock; grandchildren, Laura (Anthony) DiStephano of Peachtree City, Brian (Emily) Johnson of Peachtree City, Mark (Keri) Johnson of Peachtree City, Stephen (Emily) Thurston of San Diego, Kevin Thurston of Dallas, Texas, and Kendra (Seth) Cannon of Bentonville Ark.; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces Beverly Eldridge and Sharon Long of Texas.

A Celebration of Life took place, together with her late husband, on Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. with a visitation hour from 1 to 2 p.m. at Lake Country Baptist Church at 1259 Crooked Creek Road, Eatonton, GA 31024.

Instead of flowers, donations to honor Mrs. Harris may be made to Lake Country Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice.