Mary Ellen Harris, 85, of Chester, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She was born on September 29, 1939, in Chester, the beloved daughter of the late James Alex Stroud Sr. and the late Nora Bell McCullough Stroud.

At the age of 18, Mary moved to New Jersey to begin building her life and career. She worked faithfully for 35 years at Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, where her compassion, patience, and strong work ethic touched countless lives. After retiring, she returned to Chester, where she continued to serve her community through her work at the Unemployment Office and Chester Townhomes.

Mary was known for her quiet strength, warm heart, and unwavering love for her family. She believed in hard work, kindness, and treating everyone with respect. Her wisdom, laughter, and encouragement will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Angela Stroud; her siblings, Dorothy Neal, Barbara Whetstone, and James Alex Stroud Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Kimbrelly McDuffie (William); her loving son, Kenneth McDuffie (Melissa); her sister, Doris Radford; brother-in-law John Whetstone; 10 grandchildren,15 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Mary's life was one of service, love, and resilience, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.