Lucille Smith Harris

Lucille Smith Harris went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at age 85. Lucille loved Jesus Christ, her family, and her multitude of friends. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Harris Lemoine and her husband, Laurie L. Lemoine, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by grandchildren, Luke Lemoine and his wife, Catherine Tessier Lemoine, of New Orleans, Louisiana, Kathryn Anne Lemoine of New Orleans, and Rebecca Jan Lemoine of Baton Rouge. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren who all loved spending time with their Maw-Maw: Amelia Grace Lemoine, her namesake Adeline Lucille Lemoine, and Harris Henry Lemoine. Other survivors include sister-in-law Sibyl Barnes and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by a son, Harold Larue Harris and wife, Tracey, of Moss Point; two grandchildren, Harold Larue Harris, Jr., and wife, Dawn, and Heidi Arceneaux; great-grandchildren, Alexis Harris, Carley Harris, Elise Vegas and Jules Arceneaux, and step-great-grandchild Brennan Blanchard.
Lucille was born December 21, 1933, at home in Lawrence County to Aughty Hite Smith and Lillie Belle Cothern Smith, the youngest of six children. Preceding her in death were siblings Hoke Estus Smith, Lexie B. Smith, Frances McCaffrey, Harrell Smith, and Larue Smith.
A 1952 graduate of Monticello High School, Lucille served as FHA President all four years of high school, was the Drum Major of the band her senior year, and was active in the Debate Club. She was awarded the Mathematics Medal, and she received the Citizenship Award all four years of high school. She was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Best All Around.” These traits typified Lucille as she lived a life of faithfully supporting her family, friends, church, and those in need. She enjoyed every opportunity that she had to visit with members of the Class of 1952– whether by travel, reunion, email, or phone.
Lucille, or Cile as she was known to many, married Harold H. Harris of Monticello, on December 28, 1952. She attended Mississippi State, eventually earning her B.S. and M.S. in education from Mississippi College. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and much loved by us all.
Lucille taught elementary school during her career and was later a guidance counselor. She began her teaching career at Lexie and then taught at Crystal Springs. After moving to Louisiana in 1965, she taught in Franklin and ended her education career in Baton Rouge. Lucille was also active in several professional organizations and served as president of both the St. Mary Parish Louisiana Teachers’ Association and the Franklin Business and Professional Women’s Association. Wherever she lived, Cile was always active in her local church.
Lucille will be greatly missed by many. She was a faithful, trustworthy, truthful, dependable wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for visitation, service, and burial at Tilton United Methodist Church, 663 Hulon Brister Road, Jayess. Visitation at the church will be on Friday, January 25, at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 27, at 2:00 p.m., at Lucille’s Baton Rouge church, Family of Faith, 10748 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.