Shirley Maxine Harris

Shirley Maxine Harris, 80, of Muskogee, Oklahoma went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 23, 2019. She was born on November 26, 1938 to Jim “Dobe” Cooper and Lena (Raley) Cooper in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. She attended Norwood Elementary School though the 8th grade and graduated from Fort Gibson High School with the class of 1957. She continued her education through evening classes and seminars. Shirley was a charter member of Indian Capital Archers Association and competed in tournaments throughout the state. She was also a charter member of the National Secretaries Association and served as president and vice president of that chapter. Shirley worked as a secretary of GRDA Fort Gibson and then at Fansteel Metals. She also worked as the administrative manager for the U.S. Courts in the Federal Probation Office in 1980 until her retirement in 2008. Shirley committed her life to Jesus Christ at the age of 10 years old and was faithful to Him her entire life. She remained very active in church and made sure her children were raised in church. Shirley served at a board member while she attended Eastside Community Church and was a discipleship training member at Keefeton Freewill Baptist Church, and active in the Woman’s Auxiliary. She always had a smile on her face and never spoke ill of anyone. Shirley married Marc Harris in 1992 and celebrated life for the next 27 years. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She read her bible every day and lived her life as an example of faith to everyone that knew her. Shirley had a kind and servant heart; even through the loss of 3 children and 2 grandchildren, she never wavered in her faith. She was a true hero to her family. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lena Cooper; sisters, Cora and Anna Lee Cooper; brother, John Cooper; sons, John Forrest and Jim Forrest; daughter, Sheryl (Forrest) Beckham; granddaughter, Allison Dow; and grandson, Charles McCoy. She is survived by her husband, Marc Harris of the Home; son, Mark Forrest and wife Susan of Muskogee, OK; grandsons, Joshua Forrest and wife Chelsie of Bixby, OK, and Alex Dow of Muskogee, OK; granddaughters, Jennifer Boss and husband Randy of Ormond Beach, FL, and Natalie Delmedico and husband Dane of Muskogee, OK; step-son, Jeremy Harris of Florida; siblings, Charles “Tincy” Cooper of Fort Gibson, OK, Edna Fay Harris of Sasakwa, OK, and Frankie Cooper and wife Kathy of Fort Gibson, OK; sisters-in-law, Jill Crawford and husband David, and Alice Moschak all of Muskogee, OK; great-grandchildren, Emma Forrest, Ethan Forrest, Ella Forrest, Alizabeth Gilbertson, Liam Boss, and Zayden Miller; close friends, Robert and Lezlie Francis of Muskogee, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. “I love you all the counters.” In lieu of flower the family has requested memorials be made to the Keefeton Free will Baptist Church Senior Adult Class Fund at: 11701 Highway 64 S Muskogee OK 74403. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be 1PM, Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Keefeton Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Barks officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Mickey Capps, Robert Francis, James Fast, Kelly Garrett, Ron Ross and Danny Barks.

Shirley Maxine Harris

November 26, 1938 - September 21, 2019