Melissa Claire Harris' Obituary
Melissa Claire Harris was born August 30, 1963 in Mesquite, TX to Walter and Joyce Raabe. She died August 31, 2014 in Longview, TX.
Melissa is survived by her parents, her loving husband of 35 years, Stephen Wayne Harris, one sister and brother-in-law Diana and Darrel Seahorn of Gilmer, one son and daughter-in-law Tony and Georgia Harris of Whitehouse, one daughter and son-in-law Nina and Zac Dabney of White Oak, and three grandchildren Elizabeth and Lincoln Harris and Grayson Dabney.
Melissa had many hobbies including running, tending to her chickens, decorating and renovating, reading, traveling, and cooking for her friends and family. She loved her job, their pontoon, a good sunset, and all classic rock music. Melissa was a certified scuba diver and quite the artist as she loved to paint and enjoyed photography. She was a very adventurous person and accomplished anything and everything she set her mind to.
Melissa had many charitable and business interests in our community. She had been involved in mentoring for 17 years. She was very proud of her mentee, Angel, and excited to see her continue her successes in college. Melissa also served with the March of Dimes for five years and as president of the East Texas Human Resources Association in 2011 and 2012.
Melissa met Steve in 1976 when her family moved to Simpsonville from Mesquite. Steve happened to ride by her house on his horse when he caught her eye! Melissa and Steve were high school sweethearts who beat the odds. After 35 years of marriage each of them could say "You're still the one!"
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Cancer Treatment Centers of America and her care team in Tulsa, OK, Longview Regional Hospital doctors and nurses, and Heartsway Hospice and their staff, especially Donya Hagler.
Visitation services for Melissa Harris will take place Thursday September 4 from 5-8 pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview and the Celebration of her Life will commence the next day, Friday September 5 at 10 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Longview Partners in Prevention at 140 E Tyler Ave, Longview, TX 75601.
Melissa will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends as she was special to each and everyone one of them.
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