Marilyn C. Harris

Marilyn Harris passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in her home in Denver on March 4, 2026. She was born in Cockrum, Mississippi, in 1931. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who loved her family and friends with a warmth and kindness that served as a bright light for all who knew her.  

After growing up in Mississippi and earning a degree from Blue Mountain College, Marilyn became a flight attendant for American Airlines and literally took off for an adventurous and impactful life. She met her husband, Cole, in 1953 while she was living in Dallas, and it was truly love at first sight. They married in 1954 and lived the Air Force life for over 20 years, traveling the country and the world together. Cole and Marilyn moved to Colorado Springs in 1965 with their young children, Steve and Joan. Marilyn's true professional calling was teaching children, and she earned her teaching credentials in elementary education at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and then taught kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade for over 20 years at Mountain View Elementary School, touching hundreds of lives with her gift for teaching and connecting with children.   

Marilyn loved hiking, skiing, cooking, playing the piano, hosting family and friends for holiday gatherings, and just spending time with her family. She was an avid reader and a whiz at crossword puzzles. After retiring from teaching, she stayed active by volunteering in schools and embarking on new adventures, like teaming up with her dear friends Dorcas and Sue to climb Pikes Peak multiple times. Marilyn and Cole traveled extensively together in Europe and throughout the U.S. Their passion for skiing kept them healthy and joyful, and they skied into their 80s together and as a part of the Over the Hill Gang of Copper Mountain.   

She is survived by her children, Steve and Joan, and daughter-in-law, Marcia; Joan’s son Sam and stepsons Daniel and Jonah; Steve and Marcia’s daughter, Nicole, and her husband Nathan; Steve and Marcia’s son, Michael, and his wife, Carol; nieces, Christie, Cindi, and Kelly; other wonderful extended family members; and so many dear friends. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Coleman Harris; her sisters, Shirley, Nancy, Gloria, and Sherry; and her mother Kathleen Clayton.   

Marilyn’s family was the cornerstone of her life, and her faith guided her throughout the years. She was always generous, kind, and positive. She hosted family gatherings for the holidays and birthdays with such grace and style, and her many recipes are a wonderful legacy for the whole family. She loved being Gramma and was always there to support her grandchildren as they grew into the amazing people they are today. Her beautiful spirit and zest for life touched everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.  

To honor and remember Marilyn, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 11 a.m. in The Fellowship Hall at 2999 South Colorado Blvd, Denver CO 80222. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marilyn’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Children’s Literacy Center, 2928 Straus Lane, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.