Mildred Salyer Harris

Mildred Salyer Harris passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, surrounded by family. She is survived by her son Reid Harris (Sherry Morris), son Greg Harris, granddaughter Gina Elizabeth Harris, sister Virginia Steffey, brother Ray Salyer, along with nine nieces and three nephews.   Mildred was born in October of 1930. Daughter of Benjamin and Garma Salyer, she grew up on a small dairy farm in southwest Virginia with her parents and seven siblings. She graduated from Temple Hill High School in Castlewood, VA, and received a Bachelor of Science from the women’s division of Virginia Tech, now Radford University, in 1952 and worked as a dietician for several years. She married Edwin (Ed) Harris in 1954, and they were happily married for over 69 years until he passed in December of 2023. Mildred was a stay-at-home mom while raising her two sons, and she later pursued a career as an instructor in the Advancement Studies Department at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC.She dedicated many years to volunteering in various roles at Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary in Charlotte, NC. In 1990, the Wing Haven Foundation Board of Directors elected her as an Honorary Director in recognition of her contributions. Her special interests included birdwatching, bridge, hiking, gardening, and traveling with loved ones. She cherished summers at the family cabin in Little Switzerland, NC, where she created countless memories with family and friends. At her request, a private celebration of her life and her life with Ed will be held during the spring in Little Switzerland. In lieu of flowers, she’s requested that donations go to the Wing Haven Foundation. Donations can be made online at https://winghavengardens.org/give.