Mary Jene (Nicks) Harris

Mrs. Mary Jene Nicks Harris was born to the late Rev William Nicks, Sr. and Christine Malone Nicks in Lafayette County, Mississippi on October 20, 1958. She accepted Christ at the age of eleven years old at Jeffrie Chapel MB Church. On February 20, 1972, joined Greater St. John MB Church, where she was a faithful member. Later, along with her husband she joined Springfield MB Church. At both St. John and Springfield, Mary served in the capacities of Sunday School Teacher, Mother Board, Usher Board & Choir.

Mary received her education from Lafayette High School and graduated in the class of 1977. After high school, she furthered her education by attending Northwest Community College to study Social Work and obtained her Associates Degree.

Mary met her husband to be in 1980 for the first time and again in 1981, but this time “her smile and attractiveness would not allow him to loose contact” and “his height and affection” would not allow her to let him go. They began dating and on April 10, 1982 they became Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Donell Harris.

Mary Jene, loved family, classmates and the community. She was known as the “Candy Lady” in the community and at church. She was also part of the team who introduced fashion shows and pageants to the Oxford community. Mary mentored many young ladies who often would visit her home daily and weekly as she provided the additional insight as the Coordinator and helped with travel. Mary loved family, her nieces and nephews made her home their second home.

On Friday, July 11, 2025, Mary departed her earthly life. Her spirit, beautiful soul, gorgeous smile and unconditional love will be missed by her husband, Wallace Harris, of Abbeville, MS; daughter, Krissy (Montarious) Coleman of Oxford, MS; grandsons, Marlon “M.J.” Jones, Jr. and Jamarion Pegues of Oxford, MS; sisters, Stella Nicks Martin of Memphis, TN; Catheline Nicks of Abbeville, MS; Joyce Nicks Hilliard of Racine, WI; and Gloria (Marquest) Nicks Willingham of Oxford, MS, brothers, William (Betty) Nicks, Jr. Oxford, and Howard (Hattie) Nicks of Racine, WI: five sisters in law , two brothers in law; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins and friends. Her special family members, Aunt Lorine Marion, Ella Russell and Earlene Nicks; Two special friends Marilyn and Carolyn Toles; 

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Rev. William Nicks, Sr. and Christine Malone Nicks, sister, Brenda Nicks, and two daughters Monica and Veronica Harris; two sisters in law and two brothers in law.