Marion Francis Phipps Winemiller Harris, 99, of Buckhannon, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Elkins.
She was born in Baltimore, MD, on July 13, 1927, a daughter of the late Selvia Lester Phipps, Sr. and Elizabeth Mae Riffle Phipps. Marion is also preceded in death by one daughter, Darla Edgell; one grandson, Douglas Edgell; four siblings: Edgar Phipps, Selvia Lester Phipps Jr., Louise Gum, and Elsie Carpenter.
Forever cherishing their memories of Marion are her sister, Elva “Ruth” Hissam and husband, Roy, of Rock Cave; one brother, James Phipps of Buckhannon; close niece, Bonnie Quick of Hacker Valley; and several nieces and nephews.
Marion was a woman of many talents and passions. After two decades of dedicated service at Sears Roebuck in Atlanta, GA, she transitioned into the travel industry, working as a travel agent for American Greetings for 17 years. Marion’s career was not merely a means to an end but a reflection of her adventurous spirit and fervor for connecting with people.
She was a voracious reader and an accomplished crocheter, often coupling these hobbies with her love of walking. Marion’s wanderlust led her to explore the world, with a particular fondness for cruises. Her journeys filled her with joy and fueled her tales, which fascinated everyone around her.
Marion was deeply rooted in her community. She was a proud alumna of Sparrow Point High School in Baltimore, MD, and an active member of Center Chapel Church and COS of Straight Fork in Lewis County. She demonstrated her resilience and spirit as a participant in Relay for Life.
To Marion, service was not a duty but a privilege. She embodied the words of George Eliot: “What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?”
Friends and family will gather for visitation from 12:00–1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, in the Center Chapel Church on the Alexander Road in French Creek. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Tallman officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Chapel Cemetery.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Marion Francis Harris. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
