Sitting side by side on a comfy couch in the cozy living room of their Lebanon home, Mary and Harry Harris were surrounded by a lifetime of memories — old magazine articles, newspaper clippings, awards, and accolades carefully laid out as if to tell the story of their remarkable journey. Their love story, spanning an incredible 68 years, is deeply intertwined with their commitment to family, community, and preserving history.
This is a love story that has stood the test of time.
“We met in the first grade,” Mary recalled with a warm smile. “But it wasn’t until the third or fourth grade that it became love.” High school brought different friends and paths, but by their senior year, they reunited, setting the stage for a lifetime together. “We’ve had good days and bad days,” Mary admitted. “But respect and just trying to help each other has been our secret.”
Mary and Harry both grew up in Lebanon, where community values shaped their lives. “We didn’t have much growing up,” Mary said. “We were poor, but we didn’t know it. We always treated people the way we wanted to be treated, and that’s a philosophy we’ve carried with us.”
Harry, a Wilson County High School athlete, played in the Negro Baseball League for the Lebanon Clowns. He proudly owns a baseball card commemorating his time on the team and remains the only living member. “I’ll have to give you a signed card before you leave,” Harry offered with a chuckle. A cherished team photo sits atop a piece of furniture in their home, symbolizing an era and Harry’s contribution to sports history.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Harry is an Army veteran and a dedicated family man. While he worked multiple jobs to support their family, Mary stayed home to raise their three children and worked as a cosmetologist. “We built this house with a beauty shop in the back,” Mary said. “That way, I could work and still be there for the kids.”
Their shared commitment to their community is perhaps best exemplified by their work with Pickett Chapel, the only church they’ve ever known. “This church is the foundation of our lives,” Mary explained. “It was sold to freed slaves in 1866, and it holds so much significance for us and the community.” Mary, the church historian, and Harry have worked tirelessly for the last 20 years to renovate the chapel, which will eventually house the Roy Bailey Museum and History Center. “When we published our history book, “In Their Own Voices,” in 1999, we made a commitment to purchase and restore Pickett Chapel,” Mary said. “We’re working hard to see it finished so the community can enjoy it.”
Their activism extends back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s, a time when Pickett Chapel opened its doors to activists. “We’ve always believed in bringing people together,” Mary said. “Not just Black people, but all people, working in harmony and striving for success.”
In addition to their work with the chapel, the Harrises have been instrumental in preserving the history of African Americans in Wilson County. As members of the Wilson County Black History Committee, they co-authored the 300-page book “In Their Own Voices,” which documents the experiences of African Americans in the area. “We started the book in 1994 and published it five years later,” Mary said. “It was a labor of love, and we’re proud of what we accomplished.”
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the Harrises were surprised with an award recognizing their lifetime achievements. “It was such a beautiful affair,” Mary said. “We’re grateful to the chamber of commerce for honoring us in this way.”
Despite their many accolades, Mary and Harry remain humble. “I don’t consider myself a role model,” Mary said when asked how it feels to be such a positive role model in the community. “I just hope I’ve done some positive things so that young people can emulate me.”
Their story is one of love — for each other, their family, and their community. As they continue their work on Pickett Chapel, they look forward to seeing their vision realized. “We want this chapel to be a place for everyone,” Mary said. “A place where history is preserved, and the community can come together.”
After 68 years of marriage, countless community projects, and a lifetime of memories, Mary and Harry Harris are shining examples of the spirit of dedication and love. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
