Obituary for Otelia Westbrook Harris
Otelia “Tillie” Westbrook Harris
Otelia “Tillie” Westbrook Harris passed away at her home on November 12, 2025. She was preceded in death by her Husband Allen Powell Harris, son Mark Allen Harris, parents Romeo J. Westbrook and Marie Williams Westbrook and Sister Elizabeth “Beth” Prasse.
Tillie was born August 20, 1935, in Waverly, Virginia. She Graduated from Chuckatuck High School in 1952 as Salutatorian. In 1956 she graduated from Mary Washington College with a B.S. Degree in Home Economics and minor in History. She received a Masters of Adult Education in 1973 from Virginia Commonwealth University.
In 1959, she married Allen Powell Harris who was co-owner of Harris Hardware Co., Inc. in Emporia, Virginia. Their son, Mark was born in 1960. During Tillies one year leave of absence after Marks birth she taught history and biology at Jarratt High School having kept her teaching certificate up to date.
Tillie was active in the Emporia Ladies Golf Association, serving as their president for ten years. She was also an active member of Main Street Baptist Church, Emporia, Virginia. She served in many positions of leadership as director and teacher in young married couple's classes, chairman of Vacation Bible School, active in Braswell Bible study groups. Chairman of 165th Anniversary, served on pastor search committee, also served on grounds, building, nominating and scholarship committees. She served as a deacon for nine years.
During her retirement she enjoyed golf, crafts, sewing, yard work and traveling. In 2016 Allen and Tillie moved to the Village at Woods Edge. After Allen’s passing she moved back to Emporia, Virginia, July 2025. Tillie spent her remaining days in a home environment with her longtime friend and care giver Lynn Phillips.
Funeral services are to be held at Main Street Baptist Church, on Saturday November 15th with a 11:00 am visitation and service starting at 12:00 noon. Burial will be at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. Reception will follow after burial at Main Street Baptist Church.
In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Main Street Baptist Church Flower Fund or to Greensville Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be made to www.echolsfuneralhome.com
To plant a tree in memory of Otelia Westbrook Harris, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
15
Nov
11:00 AM
Main Street Baptist Church
440 South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
Service
Saturday
15
Nov
12:00 PM
Main Street Baptist Church
440 South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
Cemetery Details
Location
Greensville Memorial Cemetery
1250 Skippers Road
Emporia, VA 23847
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