HARRIS, Margaret P. (Mrs. John M.), passed away Wednesday July 16, 2008, in Tucson, Ariz., after a brief illness. Margaret is survived by her husband of 62 years, Red Harris; her sister, Lucile Foster of Tampa; her two sons, John Jr. and William; her daughter Marla; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Born Margaret Parsons October 4, 1923, in Tampa to William and Bonnie Parsons, Margaret spent her childhood and early adult years in Tampa, where she attended local schools before graduating in 1941 from Salem Academy in Winston-Salem, N.C. In 1945, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. While attending UNC, Margaret was a founding member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority chapter, served as head cheerleader and was elected campus Victory Queen in 1945. Upon graduating from UNC Margaret moved to New York City, where she worked as a fashion model before returning to Florida in 1946 to marry her husband, John M. "Red" Harris, and start her family. In 1949, Margaret and Red relocated to Lakeland, Fla., where they lived until 1956. While in Lakeland, Margaret began her longtime commitment to and engagement with charitable, civic and community organizations, and was an active member of both the Lakeland Junior League and Lakeland Yacht Club. In 1967, after residing in Florida, Maryland and California, Margaret and Red moved to Houston, Texas, where they lived until 1998, when they relocated to Tucson, Ariz., to be closer to their grandchildren. While in Houston, Margaret continued her dedication to social, civic and political causes and served on the Board of the Houston Grand Opera and The Museum of Fine Arts, among others. During this time she also served as chairperson of their respective annual balls and the Houston Consular Corps Ball. A dedicated patron of the arts, Margaret was instrumental in bringing the Hermitage Art Exhibit from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Houston during its tour of the United States in 1977.