Harman, Marie J.

Marie J. Harman, 81, lost a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, November 9, 2006.

She was born in Ohio, the daughter of the late Irene Browning Jennings of Natural Bridge and the late Kyle H. Jennings of Huffville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Harman; her brother, Kyle Jennings, Jr.; and her grandson, John (Roby) Robertson.

She is survived by her sister, Juanita J. Hall of Wilmington, N.C.; her daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Mark Fletcher of Charlottesville, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, John and Darlene Harman of Chesapeake, Va.; daughter, Viki H. Robertson of Christiansburg, Va.; grandchildren, Kristi, Lori and Scott Fletcher and Harry Harman; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marie came to Christiansburg as a young teenager and graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1942. After high school and during WW II, she worked at the Radford Army Arsenal. In 1945 she married John V. Harman of Christiansburg. Marie, who truly never met a stranger, loved working with the public. She was a telephone operator for C & P for 20 years.

In 1964 she went to work for the Commonwealth of Virginia as Deputy Clerk of Montgomery County and was promoted two years later to Clerk of the Court. During her 24 years in that position she saw the judicial system change in many ways including the court dividing into three branches, office and personnel expansion and growth and the computerization of the office-and she embraced it all.

She was President of the Association of Clerks of the District Courts of Virginia in 1979 and retired in 1990 as Clerk of the Montgomery County Combined District Court. She also was fortunate to have a second home in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and loved spending time there. She had many friends in that area which she considered her home away from home.

After retirement, she traveled extensively and her generous, outgoing nature drew people to her wherever she was. Marie was very blessed for she loved life, friends, family and creating happiness for those around her. There were really wonderful moments in her life, and she didn’t miss many. She leaves behind many special and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Horne Funeral Service. Also a celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Friday, November 17, 2006 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Banquet Room of The Farmhouse, Christiansburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 176, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or the Montgomery/Floyd Regional Library, 125 Sheltman Street, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or Carilion New River Valley Hospice, 707 Randolph Street, Suite 251, Radford, Va. 24141.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Harry McCoy and the wonderful staff of Blue Ridge Cancer Care for the loving compassion they provided for Marie and Carilion Hospice for their tender care and support. The Harman Family is being served by Horne Funeral & Cremation Service, Christiansburg, Va. (540-382-2612). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.