An extraordinary lady with a beautiful smile Norma Lurene Harris, 77, Ava, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008, surrounded by her loving family at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. Lurene was born April 25, 1931, in Ditt, Missouri, the daughter of Worden and Velma (Rice) Turley. On January 8, 1962, Lurene was united in marriage to Leon Harris.
Lurene was an extraordinary lady whose trademark was a beautiful smile and always placed everyone’s needs before her own. She was family oriented, very caring and often gave help to others, sometimes sacrificially. Her gifts of help blended into her daily connections with her loving family and friends. Lurene was a natural with raising flowers and vegetable gardens. She loved the outdoors, fishing, and sitting peacefully on the porch. Ultimately, Lurene will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family and will be missed by many.
Lurene was preceded in death by her parents, a son Larry Pitts, a daughter Debra Harris, and a brother Boyd Turley.
She is survived by her loving husband, Leon Harris; seven children, Drevis Burke and husband, David, Jerry Pitts and wife Debbie, Daryla Graham and husband, Donnie, Terry Pitts and wife, Becky, Donnie Harris and wife, April, all of Ava, and Dale Harris and Darrell Harris, of Kansas City; three brothers, Donald Turley and wife, Leveta, Rondol Turley and wife, Kathy, and Harold “Conley” Turley and wife, Violet, all of Kansas City; one sister-in-law, Sue Turley, of Ava; 31 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in Ava General Baptist Church, Ava, under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with the Rev. Oren Alcorn officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Ava.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 14, in the church.
