Marilyn Almeter (High) Harris

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

~ II Timothy 4:7-8

      Marilyn Almeter High Harris, the eldest of seven children born to the parentage of the late Reverend Clarence and Virginia Lee Avon High, Sr., made her earthly arrival on Saturday, February 18, 1950 in Halifax County, North Carolina. Her early years were spent in Northampton County, where the family resided until 1958.

      Marilyn’s first educational experience was in a one room school on the grounds of Cool Spring Baptist Church, Gaston, North Carolina. When the first school was built in Gaston, she and her brother, Hardy, along with cousins and friends, walked to Squire Elementary School, until buses began running routes. She attended school in Northampton County until the family relocated to Halifax County.

     Entering John Armstrong Chaloner School in her third grade year, Marilyn remained at this illustrious school until 1966, her sophomore year in high school. It was then that she and her siblings began school at William R. Davie School, an all white school, integrated for the first time. She graduated from William R. Davie, class of 1968.

     Marilyn began her professional career in August of 1968 as a Secretary at Squire Elementary School. She always credited her cousin, Betty Squire Moody, for this opportunity; as Betty was the person who recommended her for the position. Marilyn held this position for just over a year, when at the urging of her father and cousin, Joe Moody, she applied for a job at Planter’s National Bank (now PNC Bank).

     It was during the late 1960s, and Black Americans were testing the waters by applying for positions in holistically all white institutions. In September 1969, Marilyn became the first Black American to work in a bank in Halifax County. She proudly held this position for five years - leaving only after the hiring of two additional people of color. It was after securing employment with the Halifax County Department of Social Services in September 1976, that Marilyn furthered her education at the former Halifax County Technical Institute (now Halifax Community College) and East Carolina University, where she began taking courses in the Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare. Marilyn worked at the Department of Social Services as the agency’s Switchboard Operator. She quickly advanced and was promoted to the Services Division, as a Clerk Typist and later the Clerical Supervisor. She served in this position until her retirement in December 1996.

     A member of the Cool Spring Missionary Baptist Church, Marilyn joined her mother by working with the church’s Missionary Ministry. She served as an Usher, sang in the Young Adult Choir and was a member of the church’s Grant Writing Committee.

     As an advocate for children, Marilyn believed in the principles of justice for all mankind. She labored for many years to advance the cultural awareness and social justice issues of the citizens of Halifax County. She was a member of the Halifax County Friends of Black Children, the Halifax County Black Caucus, the Roanoke River Regional Collaborative, the Board of Directors for the Concerned Citizens of Tillery and was an active member of the Halifax County Democratic party. Marilyn was the first female to serve as a member of the Halifax Board of Elections, subsequently becoming the first female Chair of the Board.

     As a divorced mother of two children, Marilyn worked tirelessly to ensure that her children were reared in the admonition of God. Jimmie and Jessica were taught the importance of the love of God, family and service to community. Her children were her heart’s delight, as they honored their mother and showered her with love and appreciation.

     Oh, they tell me of a home, Far beyond the skies. Oh, they tell me of a home, So far away. Yes, they tell me of a home, Where no storm clouds rise. Oh, they tell me, Yes, they tell me of an uncloudy day. On Sunday, February 19, 2023; while in the care of ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville, North Carolina, God lifted Marilyn from this world of sin, sorrow and pain, to a place of peace and sweet eternal rest. Her seeds are well-sown; her service on earth is complete, and she’s now experiencing the victory and triumph of eternal life. In addition to her loving parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by: her brother, Hardy J. High.

     “Even though our time in this life is temporary, if we live well enough, our legacy will last forever.” Marilyn leaves a legacy of love, service and devotion in the hearts of: two children, Jimmie Lamont Harris of Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Jessica Renae Harris of Alexandria, Virginia; one grandson, Jimmie Lamont Zachariah Harris; her siblings, Carolyn High Boone of Jackson, North Carolina, Clarence High, Jr., Janice H. Evans and Patricia A. High all of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Eugene L. High of Henderson, North Carolina and Ethelene Cross of Allentown, Pennsylvania; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Harris' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mrs. Marilyn Almeter High Harris.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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