Kay Harris

Kay Harris, 99, of Plainview, and formerly of Pampa, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Plainview.

Graveside services will be 2:30 PM, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Memory Gardens Mausoleum with Rev. Rick Parnell, retired Baptist minister, officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday at the funeral home.

Kay will be available for viewing from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday, and 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Friday, at the funeral home. 

Kay was born on May 20, 1927, in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Ted and Atha Shipley. She grew up and graduated from school in Wewoka from the class of 45’. Shortly after high school, she would marry her soulmate, Ed Harris, on September 7, 1946. They would soon start their family, having two daughters and spending almost 71 years together before Ed’s passing in 2017.

Kay and Ed would come to Pampa in 1957 for Ed’s work. Soon after and in 1960, Kay began her long relationship with Central Baptist Church. She first joined a Sunday school class, then became a member and thereafter started teaching kindergarten. Outside of her tenure at Central Baptist Church, she had a long career of work helping as an Instrumental Aide for Pampa Independent School District, and a receptionist with Simmons and Simmons, retiring in 1983.

After her retirement, Kay started doing many years of volunteer work. She contributed her time to the Tralee Crisis Center, BSA Hospice of the Panhandle, and the Coronado Nursing Center. Kay was a very social and outgoing woman. She was a fun-loving person who loved to connect with people and make as many friends as she could. Kay will be remembered as a faithful woman to her God, family, and friends and she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Ray Shipley; and by her daughter, Kim Brothers.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Debbie Francis and husband Richard of Plainview; two grandchildren, Tabor Francis and wife Leslie of Lubbock, and Leanna Pollard and husband Jody of San Antonio; greatgrandchildren, Hudson Pollard and Lawson Pollard, both of San Antonio; and niece, Brenda Davis and husband Bobbie of Pampa.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the Westridge Manor of Plainview and Vital Caring Hospice for their loving care of Kay.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.