Harris, Maggie Slusser
Margaret “Maggie” Louisa Slusser Harris passed away June 11, 2026. Maggie was born in Coal Bank Hollow, Blacksburg, VA. On January 1, 1933.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William G. “Bud” Harris, Jr. , married 53 years; her son David; her great grandson Aaden, her parents Pascal J. Slusser (Pat) & Annie Slusser: brothers Paul, Joe, Erno, Johnny & Dennis Slusser, and her sister Trudy Albert. Surviving her are her beloved sons, William G Harris III (Bonnie), Thomas (Ted) Harris (Janet), Joe Harris (Beth), and daughter Charlotte Morris (Steve), a bunch of grandkids, great grandkids, and 2 great-great grandkids, all of whom she loved fiercely.
Growing up, Maggie contracted Polio during her school years and spent time in the hospital. During this time Maggie learned perseverance, and determination and a will to overcome the many obstacles of life she would be faced with. Maggie gained a sense of humor, wittiness and humility. Maggie learned growing up in Coal Bank Hollow with her parents, brothers and sister, how to survive and make ends meet. Maggie learned to make the most out of everything. Maggie was an avid reader, seamstress, gardener, crafter, florist, puzzle worker and, All-time best grape jelly maker in Blacksburg.
Maggie was an accomplished cook who commanded her kitchen. “Don’t, come in here until I call you”, was the rule. Maggie was the ultimate hostess. The table was always set properly. Maggie had a way of making every day magical. Maggie was the perfect hostess, whether it be a Christmas brunch or the 4th of July which were always a highlight for every member of the family.
Maggie worked alongside her sister, Trudy at Custom Catering, working until she was 80 years old and enjoyed the Sports clubs, German club and the many weddings that were held there. Maggie was most often found working behind the bar. If she made you a drink, you got a drink.
Maggie was a part of the Project Linus blanket ministry for years and made hundreds of blankets for children who were sick and undergoing treatment. When she could no longer do the blankets, she bought and donated the materials to the group.
Maggie spent 20 plus years serving alongside her husband in the United States Air Force matching him step by step. When each new assignment came in it was she who organized the household so it would be ready to go. It was also Maggie who had to clean the base housing to ensure it would pass the “white glove” inspections that were done by the Military Housing Inspector. Maggie instilled in all her children the proper cleaning techniques and are still utilized to this day. On one occasion Maggie had cleaned, everything from top to bottom when “Mr. White glove” came in, he reached up under the hood of the oven and came out with some dirt. This poor guy had no idea who he was about to tangle with. After Maggie got done with him, we all felt sure he would never do that again to anyone else.
Maggie was well known throughout the Air Force base as the “5 feet 1 and ½ inch”,powerhouse, who could take on anything that was thrown at her, while still managing the household, raising the children. Planning a party, taking lead of the welcome committee, or having to be there in difficult times of loss within the community.
Maggie held many jobs, whether in Blacksburg, where she worked at the corner drug store as a soda jerk, to Electro Tech, Wells Fargo, Virginia Tech, and Custom Catering. Or along the way working and managing a security company in Washington DC. Or working as a Golf Course Marshal during a Congressional Golf Tournament There was nothing that she couldn’t do. Qualifying and being licensed to carry, provided a sense of pride for Maggie. Lending more credibility to her being one to reckon with.
Mom was the original neighborhood watch program before there was such a thing. She was always on watch in her neighborhood. Keeping an eye on cars, people and animals that weren’t supposed to be there.
Maggie and Bud did everything together once Bud retired from the Air Force. They were avid members of Blacksburg Country Club, bowling, playing cards, and traveling. They worked together in Burrus Hall at Virginia Tech in the 1980’s.
As age slowed Maggie down, she enjoyed car rides to the Blue Ridge parkway, the Old Country Store in Floyd. Here is where you would find her flat footing with the best of them. And no trip was complete without visiting the Daylily Farm.
Maggie took great pride in her home, especially her flower beds. When you visited her, a tour of the gardens was expected, along with a take home cutting or slip of a special plant or flower, which you were expected to care for and share, as she did.
Her family helped make her the woman she became, and her love for them has remained her strength throughout her life.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 am in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Neal Turner officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Riner Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 11, Riner, VA, 24149 or Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 144, Newport, VA 24136.
