Betty Harris

Betty Ellen Milton Harris was born on January 25, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, and passed on May 17, 2018 in Baltimore, MD. She is the second daughter of Lorimar Douglas Milton and Eloise Murphy Milton. While growing up with her sister and parents, Betty’s lifelong love for reading and academics was inspired by the appreciation for intellectual pursuits within her family. She then received her high school education at Northfield High School for Girls in Northfield, MA. Following this, Betty received her BA in English from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. After leaving college Betty worked for several years as an aide to Congressman William L. Dawson in Chicago, IL. During this time, Betty found love and married Jack Glouster, whose career took them to Baltimore, MD. A few years later, Betty returned to Chicago to finish her education and she completed a MBA at the University of Chicago. Though the union didn’t last, Betty and Jack remained lifelong friends. Betty was set up on a blind date with Dr. Roland Dean; they fell in love and married, and she moved to Los Angeles with him. Their son, Roland Dean, Jr. was born a year later. Betty and Roland parted ways in Los Angeles, but while there Betty was employed by several companies, including United California Bank and Shareholders, and Rockwell International where she worked with the team that designed the Space Shuttle. In 1976, she reunited with an old flame, Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. and moved with her son, Roddy, to Baltimore, MD. While in Maryland, Betty received her real estate license. She sold real estate, as well as taught accounting and finance at Morgan State University during this time. After Bernard’s death in 1990, Betty retired and lived an active life participating with women’s organizations including the Links, Northeasterners, Les Onze, and The Players Nine Bridge Club. She also appreciated good movies, swimming and the outdoors; Betty enjoyed fashion and seafood and traveled frequently with her son and family. Betty was committed to the Christian faith and once had the opportunity to visit the Vatican in Italy. She leaves behind her loving son, Roddy; her older sister, Elenor (Elgie); three nephews, Bernard (Pog), Douglas and Eric; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. We will all miss Betty’s musical voice, her beautiful personality, and her sweet heart dearly.

Tributes

Betty Harris

January 25, 1929 - May 17, 2018