Ella Marie Speaks Johnson Harris

Ella Marie Speaks Johnson Harris, 82, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Gordon Hospice House.

Marie was born on April 27, 1944, on a cotton farm in Iredell County, where she began picking cotton as soon as she was old enough. She was the daughter of the late Herman Clayton Speaks and Doris Jarvis Speaks. She graduated from Union Grove High School in 1962 and devoted 25 years to Northview Elementary School, where she served as an assistant teacher until her retirement. Earlier in her career, she was employed by an insurance company and Southern Bell Telephone. She was a member of Union Grove United Methodist Church.

Marie was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a treasured "Mamaw" whose greatest joy was caring for her family. She loved hosting family gatherings around the pool at her home and always made sure everyone else was taken care of and well-fed before thinking of herself. An avid reader, Marie also looked forward to March Madness each year and was an enthusiastic fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. She cherished traveling with her sister, Mary Lou (Wayne), Harris family, Judy and Rick Hix, and especially enjoyed beach vacations with her children and grandchildren, where she found great peace simply sitting by the shore and watching the waves.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by husbands, William Robert Johnson Sr., of 4 years, and J.D. Harris, of 43 years; and grandson, Andrew Rupard.

Those left to cherish Marie’s memory are her son, Robbie Johnson; daughter, April Hemric (Phil); stepson, Scotty Harris (Danna); stepdaughter, Julie Rupard (Terry); grandchildren, Philip. Brandon, Chris, Casey, Jennifer, Ashley and Matt; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou Brinegar (Wayne) and Tressie Williams (Gene); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to neighbors, Rick and Judy Hix, caregiver, Angela Turner, Hospice Staff.

There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends on Saturday, July 25, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am, in the Union Grove United Methodist Church fellowship hall, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 am in the church cemetery, followed by an additional graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625.

Arrangements for Marie Harris are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.