Obituaries

Puddie Harris

Photo of Puddie Harris
Puddie Harris, 83, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday December 19, 2017 at home. Born Mary Leah Hildreth November 3, 1934, she was the daughter of William Wilson HIldreth. Sr. and Mattie Leah Chidester Hildreth. Mrs. Harris was reared and received her early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. She married Donald Harris September 19, 1954 in Pine Bluff. In the late 1960s and early 70s, she was active with the Jefferson County Republican Women, serving on the campaign for Winthrop Rockefeller and later appointed by Governor Rockefeller to work on the 1970 Census for Southeast Arkansas. Puddie was a loving mother to, not only her four boys, but to their friends and other family. She was known for hosting gatherings for family and friends at her home. In her youth, she enjoyed swimming and boating and was also a good cheerleader. As an adult, Puddie enjoyed bunco, bridge and golf. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for many years. Puddie was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Wilson "Red" Hildreth II; and sister, Martha Hildreth "Mott" Wasson. Survivors include her husband, Donald Harris Sr. of Pine Bluff; four sons, Don Harris Jr. of Pine Bluff; Tom Harris (Susan) of White Hall, Will Harris (Nancy) of Woodlawn and Brannon Harris of Pine Bluff; brother, Major General James R. "Cotton" Hildreth (Ret.) of Spring Hope, North Carolina; sister, Lois Landreth Johnson of Pine Bluff; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 23, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Jeff Price and Reverend John Landis officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Saturday afternoon from 1 p.m. until service time at First Presbyterian Church. The family would like to thank Jefferson Home Health Care and her loving caregiver, Barbara David. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

Published December 21, 2017

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