Kathern Jeannene Ferguson Harris was born on February 26, 1945, in Pascola, Missouri, the eighth of twelve children born to Otto Sr. and Dora Ferguson. Kathern passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Throughout her childhood, the family lived in several towns across Missouri’s Bootheel region before settling in Neelyville, where she spent her high school years. Kathern dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and faithfully upheld her personal vow to read the bible daily.

She graduated from high school in 1963 and joined several of her siblings in Cleveland, OH. During her time in Cleveland, Kathern and her siblings grew even closer, supporting one another through life’s milestones—marriages, children, and the unique paths they each followed—while preserving a deep unbreakable love and respect. She often spoke warmly of this season of her life, seeing it as a time of profound growth. Cleveland, OH held a special place in her heart, becoming a cherished extension of her family’s story. Kathern graduated from Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University where she met Garfield Harris. Garfield Harris and Kathern Ferguson were united in marriage on August 7, 1971. Kathern and Garfield relocated to Poplar Bluff, MO in 1979 with their two children, Kevin Lamar Harris and Lori Lynn Harris. The family became members of Central Missionary Baptist Church, where Kathern served faithfully in many capacities. Later in life, Kathern became an active congregant at Brown Chapel AME Church, where she found a peaceful sanctuary to nourish her spirit. Surrounded by a loving and supportive spiritual family, the church became a place of comfort, renewal, and connection.

Kathern taught first grade at Neelyville R-IV School District for eighteen years, embracing it as her true calling. In returning to her familiar roots, she gave back to a community she deeply cherished while also treasuring the opportunity to spend precious time with her parents. The Neelyville community’s enduring support, heartfelt kindness and sincere love remained a source of comfort and strength throughout her life. The bonds she built during this period were lovingly passed on to her children. In 1997, Kathern transitioned from the classroom to a new chapter as the Director of Talent Search at Three Rivers College, a role she held for thirteen years. She was deeply thankful for the opportunity to embark on a new path and often expressed appreciation to the many colleagues at TRCC who encouraged her and believed in her potential. During those years, she formed lasting friendships that remained close to her heart, no matter the miles that eventually separated them.

Kathern was devoted to service, embracing it as her God given assignment. Her longest and most fulfilling work was with the Wheatley Succeeding in School program, where she formed deep and lasting connections with the children. She poured her heart into their growth, believing in their potential and gently encouraging them to strive beyond their current circumstances. Kathern held deep admiration for the devoted mentors who gave their time to the program, and she cherished the relationships that grew through their shared mission to uplift young lives. Her passion for education and exposure as tools for transformation extended into her service with The Designing Women Foundation. She found great purpose in working alongside the founder and fellow board members to provide opportunities and resources that could change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

She deeply understood the importance of dreaming with a vision and saw the library as a gateway to possibility. Her role on the Poplar Bluff Library Board was a meaningful way to help open the world to her community. Kathern loved taking children to the library and watching their imaginations take flight.

Kathern’s unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and lifelong commitment to service will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Lori Lynn Harris; her sisters, Thelma Bush and Patricia Pulliam; her brothers, Issac (Ann) Ferguson and Otto Jr. Ferguson; along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Lovingly Honored, The Family

“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10 NRSV

Visitation will be from 10-11 am on Friday, June 6th, 2025, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services with the funeral service immediately following at 11am with Reverand William Harold officiating. Burial will take place at Calhoun Funeral Home in Cleveland, Ohio.

In Lieu of Flowers please send donations in memory of Mrs. Kathern Harris to the following organizations:

Community Resource Council
Contact: Dalene Armstrong – Director
Dalene.Armstrong@thecrc.org
Address: 644 Charles Street, Poplar Bluff MO 63901

Designing Women Foundation
Contact: Linda Surber
Ljsurber@hotmail.com
573-785-9838
Designingwomenfoundation.org
PO BOX 104, Poplar Bluff MO 63902

MAYDAY Poplar Bluff, Inc.
Contact: Erin Ceesay – President
maydaypoplarbluff@gmail.com
Address: 1113 Fairmount Street, Poplar Bluff MO 63901

Poplar Bluff Library
Contact: Joshua Lamb – Collections Manager
joshua@poplarbluff.org
Address: 318 N. Main Street, Poplar Bluff MO 63901

Wheatley – Wheatley Historical Preservation Association (WHPA)
Contact: Robert Smith – President
573-872-0550
Address: 921 Garfield Street, Poplar Bluff MO 63901