Katie Stell Harris of Fayetteville, Tennessee (formerly Huntsville, Alabama), died Sept 7, 2024. She was one week shy of her 99th birthday.

Katie Lee, as she was affectionately known by her family of origin, is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Jamie) Jones of McBurg, Tennessee; and her son, Keith (Elena) Harris of Chico, California; grandchildren, Sara Jones of McBurg, Tennessee, Maggie (Brad) Shelton of Franklin, Tennessee, Jinny (William) McGill of Ithaca, New York, Oksana (Ciaran) Thompson of Chico, California, and Alona Harris of Chico, California; great-grandchildren Alex, Hensley and Sam Shelton, Keith, Willie and Katie McGill, and Cillian Thompson. Survivors also include a favorite nephew, David (Karen) Stell of Springfield, Arkansas, and adored niece, Lynda (Jack) Mills of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Massey and Katie Smith Stell; husband, Earle Harris; brothers W. M. Stell and Herman Stell; and a beloved niece, Sandra Stell.

Katie was born and raised in Springfield, Arkansas, with her older brothers. Herman brought Earle (his shipmate from Nashville during WWII) home for a visit, and he met Katie. They started a long distance romance and were married in 1946. Earle enrolled in Tennessee Tech and that was Katie’s first home in Tennessee. Earle took a job in Huntsville when von Braun’s team advertised for electrical engineers and Huntsville was Katie’s home for almost 60 years. She retired from Huntsville Hospital in 1990 where she worked in the admitting office, a position she loved. She moved to Fayetteville in 2008 to be near her daughter but would tell anyone that Huntsville was her “home.”

She was a social butterfly — a beloved friend to many. She braved life — during times of peace and prosperity as well as war and lack — as she braved death. She was a lifelong Methodist, belonged to McBurg United Methodist Church and was a faithful attender until she could no longer walk. She was an avid bridge player and bowler (in her younger years) and once bowled a perfect game. She loved several dogs in her lifetime and always livened up around dogs and children! Her main pastime was simply visiting with people. She moved to Lincoln Manor in 2018 and made new friends there whom she cherished.

Her wishes were to be cremated and have her ashes buried in the family plot in Arkansas. The staff of Lincoln Manor lovingly took care of her and will be forever appreciated. Her family is very grateful to them and the Hospice nurses who were so good to her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McBurg United Methodist Church, PO Box 714, Frankewing TN 38459, or to your favorite charity.

Lynchburg Funeral Home is assisting the family.