Bena M. Harris was the third of six children born to Henry G Murphy, Sr. and Mary Gertrude Hyder Murphy. She was born in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Bena obeyed the gospel along with three of her brothers at the Mayberry Street Church of Christ there in Fayetteville; Bro. Nathaniel Brader was the minister. This was in October of 1948. She attended elementary and high school in the Lincoln County Public Schools. Upon graduation from high school, Bena attended Tennessee State where she received her A.B., M.S., and 30+degrees. Her areas of specialties being mathematics, physical science, and education. She taught junior high and high school mathematics for the duration of her teaching career. Math was her favorite subject in school from early on. For a few years, Bena served as a Math Consultant for the District III Metro School System in Nashville. While in college, she worked at Thomas and Son Pharmacy Drug Store as clerk and cashier.
Bena was a Girl Scout leader for 10 or more years; she also worked with the Youth Red Cross Club as an advisor for several years.
Bena hoped for world peace and tranquility. She desired to have left a positive impression on the many young lives she touched.
She leaves to mourn her passing; a son, Dr. Andrew Harris; grandchildren, Avery Harris, Adrian Harris; brother, Frank (Sue) Murphy; sister-in-law, Maggie Murphy; nephews, Brian (Angela) Murphy, Jeffery Murphy and Reginald (Sonya) Robinson; nieces, Zandra Isobus, Leatta (Dr. James) Byrd; other family and special friends Shirlean Foster, Jennifer Hodges, Barbara Boyd and Wilmatine Elam.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tennessee State University in honor of Ms. Bena Harris.
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