Mary M. Prentice Harris, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at her home from cancer.

Mary was born in Port Huron, Mich., Jan. 30, 1927, to Dr. and Mrs. Clarke and Amanda McColl.

Mary worked for the School Board of Polk County teaching English at Denison Junior High, Lake Wales Junior High and Frostproof Jr./Sr. High.

She earned her degree from Hillsdale College in Michigan and her master’s from the University of South Florida.

She is preceded in death by Hugh S. Prentice and K.G. Harris.

Mary is survived by her three children Deborah (Prentice) Becton and husband, Ron, of Fort Pierce, Hugh S. Prentice and wife, Ingrid, of Seattle, Wash., Rebecca (Prentice) Phillips and husband, Russell, of Bradenton; grandchildren Spencer K. Prentice, Brian C. Prentice and Clayton A. Becton and wife Mary Beth; Great-Grandchildren Kaleigh Ann Becton and Easton R. Becton Her extended family includes four children Karen (Harris) Rowe and husband Ron, Steven Harris and wife Michelle, Martin Harris and wife Holly residing in Michigan and Brian Harris and wife Maureen of Illinois. There are nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Mary was proud to be a tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation, an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, the Daughters of American Revolution, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and volunteered at the Lake Wales Public Library and the former Lake Wales Art Center.

Viewing will be held Saturday Jan. 12, 2013, from 10-11 a.m. and a memorial celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Lake Wales. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall for friends to gather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, 140 E. Park Ave., Lake Wales, Fla. 33853, or Lake Wales Public Library, 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales, Fla. 33853. Condolences may be sent to the family and the webcast of the service can be viewed at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.