News Summary
The Georgetown community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, Norma Dell Dunlap Harris, who passed away at 90. Known for her dedication to education and love for travel, Norma left a lasting legacy through her work as a librarian and her contributions to the community.
Georgetown Community Mourns the Loss of Norma Dell Dunlap Harris
The city of Georgetown, Texas, is grieving the peaceful passing of a beloved community figure, Norma Dell Dunlap Harris, who left this world on January 7, 2025, at the impressive age of 90. A guiding light to many, Norma’s vibrant spirit and wealth of knowledge left a lasting impact on everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
Early Years and Education
Born on July 8, 1934, to A. R. and Naomi (Gibson) Dunlap in Clifton, Texas, Norma’s journey began in a quaint Texas town. As she grew up in Waco, her talents shone brightly, especially in the realms of drama and speech. By the tender age of 13, she made history by becoming the first representative from her junior high school to earn a spot in the all-star cast at the State Interscholastic League Meet in Austin. This was just the beginning for the talented young actress.
Through high school, she continued to rise and was honored as the best actress in both district and regional competitions, outshining competitors from both junior and senior high schools. One of her standout performances was her portrayal of Celeste in Waco High School’s production of ‘Drums of Death’ as she graduated in 1952.
A Journey of Exploration and Knowledge
After high school, Norma took her talents to the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Drama. Notably, one of the highlights of her college career was playing the title role in ‘Peter Pan’ in December 1954. Following her college days, she embarked on an adventure to Europe with a friend, creating unforgettable memories during her travels.
Back in Texas, she worked at Scarborough’s Department Store in Austin, where destiny had her meet her future husband, Jack Harris. The couple married on August 25, 1961, and started their family while living in Austin. As Jack pursued his PhD at UT, their three wonderful children were born.
Returning Home and Evolving Professionally
After a stint in Ohio, where Jack taught at the University of Toledo, the family returned to Texas, settling in Georgetown, Jack’s hometown. As her children grew, Norma continued her education, returning to the University of Texas to earn a master’s degree in library sciences. It was here that she became a forward-thinking librarian, working on emerging computer systems and foreseeing the significant impact of technology in the educational field.
She made notable contributions to the State Comptroller’s Office, where she was instrumental in computerizing the Texas motor vehicle registration system. Norma’s dedication to education led her to Georgetown ISD, where she retired after a fulfilling career, notably digitizing the library at McCoy Elementary.
A Life Well-Lived
A passionate traveler, Norma explored many countries, including the UK, France, and China, alongside her husband. Known for her extensive trivia knowledge, she became the community’s go-to source for information, often suggested by her family to audition for Jeopardy! Her love for puzzles showcased her curious and sharp mind.
Norma is survived by her three children: Brian Harris and wife Michelle (Gee), Stephen Harris and wife Bridget (Patke), along with Angela Harris and husband Perry Duke. She was a proud grandmother to Colin, Elizabeth, George, and Poppy, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Norma, a courageous cancer survivor, will be deeply missed by the Georgetown community. In her memory, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Her legacy will endure as a beacon of knowledge, generosity, and love within the hearts of all she touched.
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Additional Resources
- Wilco Sun: Norma Dell Dunlap Harris Obituary
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- Wilco Sun: Community Remembers Norma Harris
- Google Search: Norma Dell Dunlap Harris
- Wilco Sun: Norma Harris Contributions
- Google Scholar: Library Science
- Wilco Sun: Norma Harris Legacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown
- Wilco Sun: Remembering Norma Harris
- Google News: Georgetown Texas
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
