Elma Jean (Barton) Harris, 87, of Davisville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by the love of her family.

Elma was born on January 5, 1939, in Oates, Missouri, to Raymond Lebert Barton and Stella (Smith) Barton.

She was united in marriage to Thomas Harris on August 28, 1954, at the old Assembly of God Church in Steelville. Together, they shared 71 years of love, devotion, and partnership. Their enduring marriage was an example to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of what true commitment and unconditional love look like.

Above all else, Elma loved her family. She devoted her life to caring for those she loved and found her greatest joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and every important family milestone. She was the keeper of family stories, traditions, and memories.

Her home was a place of comfort and welcome. Family and friends looked forward to her homemade meals, especially her famous chicken and dumplings. When she wasn’t caring for her family, she enjoyed shopping trips to St. Louis with her daughters. More than anything, she treasured family gatherings and the time spent together with the people she loved most.

Elma will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the love she freely gave throughout her life. The family she built and the love she shared will remain her greatest legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Lebert Barton and Stella (Smith) Barton; her brothers, Vernon Barton, Otis (Betty) Barton, and Lloyd Barton; and her sisters, Ruth (Marvin) Callahan, Betty (Ray) Harris, and Bernice (John) Hoffman.

Elma is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Thomas Harris of Davisville; her children, Terry (Marcia) Harris of Ozark, Mike (Chris) Harris of Park Hills, Brenda (Gary) Howard of Rolla, Beverly (Chris) Gibbs of Dillard, Sherri (Kim W.) Harris of Barnhart, and Lisa (Kevin) Smith of Park Hills; her brother, Jimmy Dale Barton of Dupo, Illinois; her sister-in-law, Betty Martin of Steelville; her grandchildren, Terra (Eric) Morris, Adam (Rachel) Harris, Casey Harris, Nicole (Terry) Populis, Lindsey (Derrick) Eaves, Lori Blount, Conrad (Janeen) Gibbs, Avery (Cody) Lough, and Kennedy Smith; her great-grandchildren, Gavin, Lexi, Graham, Cole, Dylan, Taylor, Bradey, Brylee, Grace, Morgan, Kannon, Ellie, Walker, Kaylee, Audrey (John), Wesley, Colter, and Wrenley; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cherryville Baptist Church Cemetery in Cherryville. The service will be officiated by Sister Shirley Brown.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Cherryville Baptist Church Cemetery Fund- Checks payable to Cherryville Baptist Church / 

20123 Route 19 / Cherryville, Missouri 65446 

Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory of Cuba, Missouri.