Elaine Barnum Harris

Elaine Barnum Harris, 83, of Urania, passed from this life on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at her residence. She was born December 12, 1929 in Caldwell Parish to the union of her parents, Marion “Bud” and Maggie Sue Jackson Barnum. Mrs. Harris was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Tullos. Elaine moved to Urania with her family as she was about to enter the third grade. It was at the beginning of the school year in the third grade that she first met Jerry Harris, who sat right behind her in the classroom. Their friendship blossomed into a romance that lasted for the next 75 years. They were married when they were 18-years of age and raised three children. Jerry was working in the oilfield industry in Alvin, Texas, when the couple joined First Baptist Church in Alvin. Shortly thereafter, the church opened a private school for grades 1 to 6, and Mrs. Harris signed on as a teacher. She served the school for about 15 years, the last six as principal. When both Jerry and Elaine retired, they moved back to their hometown of Urania, and Jerry was elected as police juror for the Urania and Tullos area, an office he has held for several terms. Services were held at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 14, from the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Tullos with pastor, Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Urania Cemetery in Urania under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson, Michael Harris. Survivors include her beloved husband of 65 years, Jerry Harris of Urania; two sons, Danny Harris and wife Pamela of Conroe, TX, and Jack Harris and wife Becky of Baton Rouge; one daughter, Ann McCullough and husband Sam of Midlothain, TX; three sisters, Evelyn Cook and husband Forrest of Urania, Jane Walker of Irving, TX, and Sue Kees of Urania; grandchildren, Chrissie Morgan, Jackson Harris and Alicia Harris; great grandchildren, Bailee Morgan, Taylor Morgan, Ellie Rostohar and Mila Rostohar; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were Dennis Kees, Ikey Harris, W. C. Holloway, Denny Boyett, Bobby Ray Francis, Sam McCullough, Kern Rodrigiuz, and Tom Spence. Honorary pallbearers were Ralph Harris, Matt Harris, Mark Harris, Leroy Henderson, and the Deacons of First Baptist Church of Tullos.