Obituary of Eugenia Cox Harris

Eugenia (McWhorter) Cox Harris February 12, 1924 – April 21, 2014 Eugenia “Dena” Harris died peacefully in the afternoon on April 21 at the age of 90, following a decline in health over the past few years. She was preceded in death by her parents and two older brothers, Zach Davis Cox and Robert Leighton Cox, Jr. Dena was much loved by her four children: Eugenia “Genie” [San Mateo, CA], Robert “Bob” [Richmond, VA], Winnie Bernice [Falls Church, VA], and Caroline [Tacoma, WA], seven grandchildren: Rebecca [Andrew], David [Lisa], Sarah, Christopher [Michele], Timothy [Mia], Anna, and Laura, three sons in law: Paul Watermulder, Gary Zoellner, John Garner and three great grandchildren: Abigail, Isaiah and Eve. Additionally Aunt Eugenia was beloved by her many nieces and nephews, cousins and their children. Dena was born in Calypso in eastern North Carolina to Winnie McWhorter and Robert Leighton Cox. Dena’s family moved to Mt. Olive when she was a young girl. Her parents were leaders in both their Methodist church and wider community. Through the influence of her parents, Dena learned to respect and appreciate people from all walks of life. Dena graduated from Mount Olive High School at the age of 16. She attended St. Mary’s College in Raleigh (the oldest school for girls in North Carolina founded by the Episcopal Church). Her year at St. Mary’s served as a prep school year for Dena. This is where she was introduced to what would be her spiritual home in the Episcopal tradition for the remainder of her life. After graduating from North Carolina Women’s College (her mother Winnie’s alma mater and now UNC at Greensboro), she took the call to move to Honolulu to teach at St. Andrews Priory, an Episcopal private girls’ school. In 1946, she met her husband to be, Edward Harris of Selma, Alabama, who worked as an auditor for the federal government in Honolulu. They married in 1947 and all four of their children were born in Honolulu. After living in Honolulu for 10 years, the family moved to Arlington, Virginia in 1955 where they raised their children and became devoted members of The Falls Church Episcopal. Dena loved playing bridge and was a regular in several groups and tournaments each year. Dena taught at Jeb Stuart High School in Fairfax County for 17 years, helping a generation of students become proficient in office and business skills. Additionally, she acted as a mentor to a select group of students during their first jobs and as a liaison with employers of these students. Widowed in 1964, Dena raised her four children from their teenage years onward while fostering close ties to their extended family based in Mt. Olive, especially visiting for the summer months annually. She traveled internationally to Japan (with her father), and to England, Europe, Israel, Scandinavia and Australia with friends, learning from and enjoying the different cultures she encountered. Dena was also an active member of the Williamsburg Women’s Club and the American Association of University Women “AAUW” (a lifetime member). Dena was a lifelong promoter of the Mt. Olive Pickle Company which was founded by her uncle Headley Cox and other community members. She was never shy in the sharing and/or telling about this company and their wonderful pickles. Her gift of choice was always a favorite jar of Mt. Olive pickles! A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at The Falls Church Episcopal on Saturday, June 14 at 11 am in the historic sanctuary, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Mom’s deep and abiding faith is echoed in the refrain of one of her favorite songs, The First Song of Isaiah. “Surely it is God Who saves me; I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and He will be my Savior.” The family will conduct a private graveside burial at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery where her remains will join those of her husband Edward. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to The Falls Church Episcopal (115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church, VA 22046), University of Mount Olive, formerly Mount Olive College (Gift Records Office University of Mount Olive, 634 Henderson St. Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365) or the Pastoral Care Ministry of The Falls Church Anglican (P.O. Box 690, Falls Church, VA 22040). Over the years, Mom’s memories and love of Hawaii grew and deepened. And so we bid her, Aloha ‘oe, a hui hou aku…Goodbye, until we meet again. With aloha nui loa, Genie, Bob, Winnie and Caroline