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Alice Marie Harris, of Parkersburg, completed her journey on earth and entered her forever home on August 8, 2026, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.
She was born on August 13, 1961, in Spencer, WV, and was the daughter of Julia "Ann" Harris and the late Robert "Bob" Harris.
Alice was a 1979 graduate of Wirt High School and earned degrees from Marshall University in 1984 and Louisiana State University in 2021, reflecting her lifelong love of learning.
Throughout her career as a certified public accountant, Alice dedicated herself to serving small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with integrity, compassion, and expertise. As partner, she led a firm focused on nonprofit accounting in Maine before returning home to the Mid-Ohio Valley to establish her own accounting practice.
In 2014, Alice joined the leadership team at WVU Parkersburg, where she found her true calling as a mentor, educator, and advocate for students. She believed deeply in the potential of every person she met and devoted herself to helping others achieve more than they believed possible. As one student shared, “One of Alice’s most remarkable qualities is her unwavering belief in her students, even in moments when they struggle to believe in themselves.”
Alice’s commitment to serving others extended well beyond her profession. She generously gave her time and talents to numerous community organizations, including the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the Sisters Health Foundation, and The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Her impact on all of those whose lives she touched is immeasurable and irreplaceable.
She is survived by her mother, Julia “Ann” Harris, and her sister, Debbie Harris, both of Parkersburg; her niece, Samantha Shimer (Tucker Jones) of Bonn, Germany; and many beloved lifelong friends, colleagues, and former students.
She is joined in heaven with her beloved wife, Nancy Rauch Harris, and her father.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 23, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at WVU Parkersburg. Friends, family, colleagues, and former students are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate her remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alice Harris Memorial Fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (P.O. Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26102) or online at pacfwv.com/give.