Marlyn Maxine McEachern Harris, 95, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. She lived life with a full heart, a full calendar, and a gift for making every room feel a little brighter the moment she entered. She enjoyed people and left everyone she met with a big smile for having met her.
Born October 26, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama, Marlyn developed a life defined by connection, joy, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She shared a remarkable marriage with her husband, Henry Hoyt Harris, for 74 years. Together, they formed the foundation which became a loving family.
Marlyn was a talented golfer and an outstanding bridge player. She could often be found in her garden tending to her beautiful flowers which she loved to share with others. She was also quick to accept the challenge of a difficult crossword puzzle.
Her Christian faith was a key part of her life. She was a soloist at First Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday school and sang at many weddings and funerals. For decades, her performance of “O Holy Night” on Christmas Eve became a cherished and enduring tradition. She also sang for many years in the Kiwanis Capers, an annual charity event.
Marlyn was deeply committed to her Huntsville community. In 1964, she initiated the formation of the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary, which included the Pink Ladies, the Candy Stripers, and a gift shop. She was President of that organization for its first two years and was awarded a Lifetime Membership. She was an active member of the Huntsville Symphony Guild, the Cosmopolitan Club, and a dedicated volunteer at the Botanical Gardens.
Marlyn loved to travel. She visited 35 foreign countries, all 50 of the United States, and every Province in Canada. She spent many days at her beach condo at Orange Beach. It became known as her happy place.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Maxine McEachern, her sister, Bettye Dale Linster, and her great-granddaughter, Avery Grace Tincher.
She is survived by her husband, Hoyt Harris; her children, Lynn Ayer (Ric), Anne Tincher (Steve), and Jan Howard (Mike); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Whitehead (Greg), Meade Davis (Trey), Michael Tincher (Lindsey Beth), Chris Tincher (Anna), Taylor Howard (Stephanie), and Kimberly Norfleet (Jaron); and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery with Dr. Karl Kling officiating. Pallbearers are Michael Tincher, Chris Tincher, Taylor Howard, Jaron Norfleet, Greg Whitehead, and Trey Davis.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s of Alabama, 1600 7th Ave., S., Birmingham, AL 35233 (https://give.childrensal.org/).
