MURFREESBORO – Olivia Branch Harris, 79, of Murfreesboro, North Carolina departed this life on March 18, 2016 at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while on vacation, surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law, and Mechael, whom she affectionately referred to as “my little girl.”

She was born Mary Olivia Branch on April 6, 1936 to the late Gracie and Norman Branch of Severn, North Carolina.

Ms. Branch married Alfred Winton Harris on September 17, 1960. Mr. Harris was the principal of Hertford County High School for many years. Olivia was a teacher assistant for the Hertford County School System for many years. Mr. Harris preceded her in death and has been waiting for her since April 25, 2010.

She became a member of First Baptist Church Severn at a young age. She loved her church and was a member of the Senior Ushers until her health failed and she moved to Durham to live with her daughter and son-in-law. First Baptist Severn remained dear in her heart.

Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and mother-in-law. She was affectionately referred to as mama or Miss O by many.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Teryl (Daniel); one step son, Andrew (Diana); one sister-in-law, Orrie; a longtime constant companion, Reggie; and “her little girl” Mechael; six granddaughters, Tara (Tito), Aleashia (Brent), Dominique (Keith), LeChelle (Frank), Danielle, and Pamela (Chris); one grandson, Daniel; five great-grandsons, three great-granddaughters; one great-great-granddaughter; and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives that loved her dearly.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 12 noon at First Baptist Church Severn in Severn, NC. Rev. Elisha Barnes will be officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Hertford County Undertakers in Winton, NC is handling the arrangements.