Dr. Anna Lodi Whittington Harris passed on March 12, 2025. She lived a long and productive
life and made significant contributions to the community in her professional and personal
capacities. She was born on August 1, 1939 in Waco, Texas, the first-born of three children to
Orentha Lee and Odessa Whittington. Dr. Harris grew up in Waco, attended University of
Texas-Austin, majoring in music; received the B.A. and M.A. degrees from Texas Southern
University in Music Education; and the Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from
Columbia Pacific University. Dr. Harris received several teaching Certificates for all levels, as
well. She taught at several educational institutions, from elementary school to high school to
college-level. Dr. Harris taught longest at Houston Community College, over the years playing
several key roles there, including Humanities Instructor, Coordinator of Developmental
Education and Department Chair for Developmental Studies. In addition to her institutional
affiliations, Dr. Harris played piano professionally at a number of churches in Houston, most
notably at the Trinity Methodist Church.

Dr. Harris also had many professional memberships, ranging from her role as Board Member for
the National Association of Developmental Educators; President of the Texas Association of
Developmental Educators; President of Women Administrators Associations for the Houston
Community College System; and President of the Council of College Administrators-Houston
Community College.

Dr. Harris’ numerous civic contributions, as reflected in her speaking engagements and lectures,
included but were not limited to such conferences as the CASP Conference, the Texas
Association of Developmental Educators (TADE), and the American Association for Higher
Education.

In connection to her role as the spouse of Robert B. Harris, MD, Dr. Harris was a member of the
American Medical Association Auxiliary; the Texas Medical Association Auxiliary; the Harris
County Medical Society Auxiliary; and the Auxiliary to the Houston Medical forum (of which
she was at one time the President; and the Auxiliary to the Lone Star State Medical Society, of
which she was also at one time the President.

Dr. Harris was a longtime member of St. Philip’s United Methodist church. She was preceded in
death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, and her daughter. Affectionately known to family
and friends as “the Whit,” Dr. Anna Whittington Harris leaves to mourn her 11 grandchildren;
her great-grandchildren; her nieces and nephews; cousins; and a host of friends and co-workers.
Her irreverent wit and wisdom and generous spirit will be missed.