Mary Harris

Mrs. Mary “Catherine” (Ambush ) Harris, born March 23, 1918, answered her call from God and her Heavenly Band of Angels, Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late Charles Cromwell Harris, Sr. until the time of his death, June 11 ^, 1968.

She was the daughter of the late Charles Henry and Emma ( Bruce ) Ambush. During her tenure she was named “ The Mother of Her Church “, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Della, MD. She served as an usher, member of the choir, stewardess and missionary, holding all positions led in the steps of His way, never waivering. During her capable years, she served under many ministers. She was an avid gardener, loving her flowers as she did her family and friends. She loved to cook, sew, read her bible and attend church faithfully. In February of 2010, she was featured as one of “The Living Treasures of Frederick County-ninety years and older, sponsored by A.A.R.C.H. ( African American Resources Cultural & Heritage).

Left to always cherish her memories are 4 sons, John D. Harris, Hagerstown, Charles C. Harris, Jr.(Alys), Frederick, Howard E. Harris ( friend Virginia Ambush ), Adamstown, David L. Harris ( Gloria),Cincinnati, OH, 2 daughters, Elaine D. Watts ( Colton ) with whom she resided for four years in Frederick, until she entered Northampton Nursing Home, January 2011. and Carolyn A. Irick of Philadelphia, PA. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren. 2 brothers, William Arnold Ambush ( Marilyn ), Frederick, Frederick Wilson Ambush ( Hortense ), Washington, DC. 4 sisters, Anna Louise Harris, Emma Duckett, Dorothy Makel, all of Frederick, Florence Elizabeth Morris, of Virginia. 3 sister-in-laws, Anna Ambush, Ruth Ambush, Odie Mae Harris. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by a daughter Anna Catherine Harris, daughter-in-law Sandra Ambush Harris, son-in-law John C. Irick, 3 brothers, Howard, Richard and Edward Ambush, 2 sister-in-laws, Margaret Tonsil Ambush and Helon Harris, 7 brother-in-laws, Carl , John, Melvin and Paul Harris, Sr., Earl Duckett Garland Makel and Clifford Morris.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21, viewing from 10:00 a.m. to time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Stauffer funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Officiating minister s will be Rev. Anthony Young and Rev. Derrick Brown. Interment will follow in St. Paul A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Della, MD