Educator

Mamie Harris Scarboro, was born March 20, 1914 in Wendell, North Carolina to the late Deacon Thomas Harris and the late Deaconess Mamie Debnam Harris. She departed this life on September 28, 2016. Mamie was preceded in death by her siblings, Ronald Harris, Deacon Willie Harris, Thomas Harris, Jr., Charles E. Harris, Sr., and Marjorie Harris Ritter.
Mamie was very close to her parents, who stressed the importance of obtaining an education. She was affectionately called “Honky” by her family and friends.
Mamie received her education from Elementary School in Wendell, North Carolina and later transitioned to the only African American high school in the area that was five miles away - Wake Field-Zebulon High School. During her time at Wake Field- Zebulon, Mamie excelled academically. She was also a member of the basketball team and shared her singing talents in the Glee Club.
Mamie graduated from Wake Field-Zebulon, and enrolled in what is known today as Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She graduated in 1935, obtaining a teaching degree. Her teaching career began at her neighborhood school, Wendell Elementary (now known as George Washington Carver) for forty nine years, educating thousands of children, including her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Throughout her career, Mamie was awarded “Teacher of the Year”, a One-Hundred Year certificate and Key to the City of Wendell, and a Certificate and Key to the City of Knightdale by the Mayor. Mamie also led her students numerous times in obtaining First Place prizes in the Wake County Science Fair. Mamie’s whole life was centered around children.
Mamie was united in holy matrimony to the Aaron Leroy Scarboro on June 3, 1952 in Benniville, South Carolina. Leroy preceded her in death on January 6, 1996.
Mamie‘s hobbies included visiting schools and churches performing and displaying her talents as a Reciter. One well-known performance is her recitation of “The Party” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the greatest Negro poets ever. Her last recitation was in March 2000 at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, N.C. Her presentation left the staff and students spellbound.
Mamie was a formal member of the N.A.A.C.P. and the Order of Eastern Star.
Mamie was a lifetime member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Her early years were always spent in the church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher for the youth, a Choir Member, a member of the Usher Board, B.Y.P.U (later called BTU) and she was a strong believer in Christ, a faithful and supportive member.
She had a strong will to live and embraced life and all it had to offer and was an inspiration to all she came in contact with. She brought joy and excitement to all family gatherings. She was well-loved throughout her life and had many friends (pupils) that visited her until the end.
She leaves to cherish her memory five sisters: Lottie Harris Dunston, Mary Frances Harris Montague, Della Harris Clemons, Katie Harris Jones (Emanuel) all of Wendell, North Carolina, and Delores Harris-Goodson of Richmond, Virginia. brother: Deacon Joseph Harris (Gaybella) of Wendell, North Carolina. A special nephew, Phillip Harris. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mamie children were the only one whom she taught. She frequently called them. "THESE ARE MY CHILDREN". Mamie never gave birth to any children.


"Our Ancestors are living through us, and it's up to us to carry on."


ORDER OF SERVICE

Processional

Hymn of Comfort-------Blessed Assurance

Scriptures:
Old Testament Reading----Psalm 23
New Testament Reading----John 14: 1-4

Prayer-----Rev. Lee
Selection--- Pleasant Grove Church Choir

Acknowledgments-----------Ms. Gloria Peoples

Silent Reading of the Obituary

Selection-------------Pleasant Grove Church Choir

Selection-------Rev. Jesse Garland Williams

Eulogy----------Rev. Asa L. Bell, Jr., Pastor
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Selection-------Glennroy Bailey, Flautist
Richmond, VA.