Alivene Buck Harris

Alivene Buck Harris of Beech Bluff, TN died Sunday, December 9 at her home. She was born on August 30, 1927, to Locie and Bonita “Neta” Buck. Her older brother, Horace Buck of Jackson, died 1993. She is survived by her younger sister, Sylvia (Charles) Buck Giles of Jackson and her daughter-in-law, Misky Kratz Harris of Jacksonville, FL. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death in 2013 by her husband of 69 years, Leon Leroy Harris. She was a loving, devoted mother to their only child, Commander (Ret.) Michael L. Harris of Jacksonville, FL. who died from injuries received in an airplane crash in 2009.
Alivene was proud to be a fifth generation Cumberland Presbyterian. She was a member of Maple Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Beech Bluff where, at a young age, she played the piano, taught Sunday school for primary students and sang in the choir.
At age 16, she moved to Jackson and become a member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was a faithful member of the Challenger Sunday school class and taught Vacation Bible school. For several years she was president of the local CPW (Cumberland Presbyterian Women) and was chosen by presbytery to be a delegate to the denomination’s CPW Convention. Alivene helped organize the XYZ group for seniors at First Church. She loved to sing and was a member of the church choir as long as she was able.
She was a homemaker most of her life and participated in the Northside Home Demonstration Club for many years. She was an accomplished seamstress and made her sister Sylvia’s wedding dress which was displayed at the Giles 50th Wedding Celebration in June of 2015.
The family extends their deep appreciation to Claude Johnson, Jr. who has been a very devoted administrator and caregiver since her husband’s death and to her caregivers Earseal Richardson, Clara Diffee, Patricia Hodge and Becky Fisher. Their wonderful loving care, compassion and tireless attention made it possible for her to remain at home with peace, comfort and dignity.
A special thank you to the West Tennessee Healthcare Hospice program for you care and support during her final months.
A visitation and Celebration of life will be Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM followed by the service at 2:00 PM at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church conducted by her first cousin, Rev. Dr. Clinton Buck and Rev. Merlyn Alexander. Burial will follow at Maple Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Beech Bluff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Baird-Buck Endowment for the Chair of Cumberland Presbyterian Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary, 168 E. Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104 or the Jackson First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1730 Highway 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305 or the Maple Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2005 Beech Bluff Road, Beech Bluff, TN 38313.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, 668-1111 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com