Mary Ann Harris-Betsill

Mary Ann Harris-Betsill, our mother, sister and friend, peacefully transitioned to eternal life at Holy Spirit Hospital surrounded by family and friends on June 17, 2010. Her life was filled with love, joy and memorable moments around the kitchen table. In her later years as her health declined, she described her life as a battle and an uphill journey. She was born in Steubenville, OH on October 5, 1942 to the late John and Juanita (Spann) Harris. She was married for 41 years to the late James (Big Jim) Smith-Betsill. Born of this union are surviving children Tracey R., James P. (Kimbra Wagner), Michael E., Sr., (Carla), Kathy (Todd) Hall all of Harrisburg, PA and Michelle (Ron) Heggs of Pikesville, MD. Their generous hearts embraced others who were considered their children including: Chantai (David) Roberts and Dionne (Ricardo) Burress of Charlotte, NC and Heather Thoman of Harrisburg, PA. Mary Ann was a graduate of Steubenville High School and a student in the nursing program at Harrisburg Area Community College. She was formerly employed by the Woodside Detention Center and Keystone Human Services, Inc. Because of her entrepreneurial spirit Mary Ann became the owner/operator of Mary Mary Quite Contrary Catering Service. She was preceded in death by her brothers George, Richard, Joseph and Reverend Robert Harris and sisters, Stella Harris, Nancy L. George and Juanita A. Johnson. Surviving siblings include 3 sisters, Dorothy Ausburn of Steubenville, OH, Betty Harris-Leggon and Patricia A. Webster of Harrisburg; sister/friends Joyce Betsill of Maryland, Barbara DeLoach and Rev. Dr. Terrie Griffin of VA; 3 brothers, John Thomas (Helen) of Cleveland, OH, Donald (Lynn) of Wellsville, OH, Ronald (Hilda) Harris of Pittsburgh, PA; brother/friend Fred McNeal of Harrisburg. She was affectionately known as Bubbee to her 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends. Mary Ann was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church for 35 years where she served as an usher, choir member, Diaconate Board Member and later Deaconess Emeritus. She was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and a member of the kitchen committee. A memorial service is scheduled for June 26, 2010 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2339 North Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA. Family visitation hour will begin at 10:00 A.M. followed by the service at 11:00 A.M. Per Mary Ann's wishes there will be no viewing. Reverend Dr. Danny Conyers, Pastor, Officiating.