Shirley Savage Harris

Obituary For Shirley Savage Harris

Shirley Estelle Savage Harris, 89, of Richmond, departed this life December 3, 2023, after an extended illness. A daughter of Richmond, Shirley was born to the late Frederick D. Savage and LaVerna Roane Savage. She was the eldest of four daughters, the beautiful and intelligent Savage Sisters.

Shirley graduated from Armstrong High School and matriculated at Virginia State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early education. She also earned a master’s degree in teaching from Columbia University in New York. She was initiated into the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Richmond Chapter of THE MOLES, Incorporated.

A beloved educator who was passionate about teaching and her students, Shirley was well-known for her creativity, employing both music and faraway places in her lessons. Former colleagues, students and parents praise her skill as a teacher and her caring ways. She retired in 1996 after 41 years of teaching kindergarten to 4th grade in Richmond Public Schools. She often said that her favorite grade to teach was the 2nd grade because the children developed empathy for others, became aware of their surroundings and were a delight. Early in her journey, she taught at Buchanan Elementary, but spent over 30 years at her beloved William Fox Elementary where she taught two generations of students and loved every moment.

Shirley was a self-taught artist who enjoyed oil and acrylic painting. Her love was landscapes. Because of her passion for painting, Shirley recently engaged renowned local artist S. Ross Browne for art lessons. She enjoyed gardening from sun-up to sun-down, especially during summer vacation. She also loved floral arranging. Shirley’s love of music was legendary and she shared that love with her children and students. She especially enjoyed jazz musicians Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck, and vocalists Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Sarah Vaughan, to name a few.

She also did her share of traveling throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Her last big trip was to Paris with her children in 2016. She was a bonne vivante who enjoyed fashion, floral arranging, interior design and an occasional trip to the casino.

She was a loving, dear woman who cared deeply for her family and friends and was known for her infectious laugh.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Archie L. Harris, Sr., with whom she had a son, Archie, Jr. (Cheryle Thorne-Harris), and a daughter, Kelly Harris-Braxton (George P. Braxton). She was also preceded in death by her sister, Fredi Savage Eaton.

In addition to her children, she leaves to cherish her memory four grandsons, Harris B. Braxton, Miles Q. Braxton, Taylor Mack and Hunter Mack; two sisters, Sandra S. Mundle and LaVerna S. Johnson; niece, Metisse Mundle Holness; four nephews, Marshall Johnson, Eric V. Harris, Derek K. S. Harris, and Dewan K. Eaton; great nephew, Christopher Holness, Jr.; great niece, Tiffany Holness; brother-in-law, Ronald Eaton; other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The MOLES, Incorporated Ceremony will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, December 14 at Scott’s Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. followed by the family receiving friends until the hour of funeral service at 11 a.m. Entombment Forest Lawn Mausoleum. Livestreaming at scottsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to our mother's favorite non-profit organization, Exodus Foundation.org in the name of Shirley Harris. Please type "Shirley Harris" in the Code Box. https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/exodusfoundationorg