Mary Hope Harris Curtis, 74, died peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Monday, November 28, 2022. She was born on July 6, 1948, to Dixie and Edwin Harris in Troy, AL and graduated from Goshen High School.
She was an intellectually gifted individual and a talented writer and for those who knew her, you are certain to remember her wit. Her children were taught that they could do anything they wanted if they worked hard. She instilled the values of kindness; to care for one another; and to live out the Golden Rule. Her favorite life motto was that you can always ask for forgiveness rather than ask for permission! Although this personal proverb drove her family crazy, at times, especially when she encouraged her nieces and nephews to get into a little bit of trouble, it has provided some wonderful family memories. Most importantly, she will be remembered as a dedicated mother who dearly loved her children and family.
She was a friend to those who needed one; taking time to send cards and notes. After illness took so much strength from her, she still found ways to be a dedicated friend. She recently reacquainted herself with a high school friend whom she had not corresponded with in close to 50 years. Upon hearing that the friend was admitted to a nursing home, she took intentional time to correspond with her, sending cards and small gifts, until she died this past summer. She had a special way of simply making things better.
Until she was no longer physically able to do so, she loved to travel, she loved Broadway shows, the beach, and any adventure along the way. Her survivors will carry this torch and continue to explore the world on her behalf.
Ms. Curtis is survived by her two dear children and their spouses, Hope Curtis Hicks (Bill) and Scott (Keri), granddaughters Avery Curtis and Hannah Curtis; brother, Richard “Buddy” Harris, Jr., and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Dixie and Edwin Harris; sister, Dorothy “Dot” Gainey; sister, Jayne Jackson, and brothers, William “Bill” Harris, James “Jimmy” Harris, Ralph “Skipper” Harris, Robert “Bobby” Harris, and Julian “Buck” Harris.
Hannah and Avery, her granddaughters, were the absolute joy of her life from the day they were born. She proudly attended every dance recital, Taekwondo testing, basketball game, or school program they were in; just like she did when Hope and Scott were children.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery with Dr. Jay Cooper officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00am in the fellowship hall and the service will follow at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease or the First United Methodist Church, Montgomery Joseph Ministry.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today. The Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, with more than $800 million in high-impact research funded to date.
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