Lane Alice Harris

Lane Alice Harris, lovingly known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully in Conroe, Texas. She was born on June 1, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Arthur Charles Oswald Sr. and Doris Elsie Branch. As a 1954 graduate from Austin High School, she went on to pursue a degree in dress design at Washington University in St. Louis. She married Ted Harris Sr. on October 21st, 1955, recently celebrating 69 years of marriage. They had 5 children, and many other chosen children. A nurturing and involved mother, Lane dedicated countless hours to her children’s schools and community as a room mother, a Blue Bird and Camp Fire leader, and school event volunteer—often managing multiple troops and contributing wherever her talents were needed. She further served as a school nurse at Oakridge Elementary, seeing volunteering not just as a duty, but as a calling. Passion for creativity and service defined her life. Lane’s gifts were many—painting, sewing, decorating, cooking, ceramics, woodwork, and homemaking among them. She poured love into everything she touched. In 1961, she began running creative businesses, eventually opening a ceramics shop and later co-owning a craft business with her husband, Ted, that spanned several counties across Texas. Her home was filled with the fruits of her labor and her heart—with countless meals prepared from a collection of over 2,000 cookbooks and many decor items that reflected her attention to detail and thoughtfulness. Lane had a gift for forming deep, enduring connections. She was a collector not only of beautiful things but of beautiful relationships. She was a matriarch not just to her family, but to many who came to see her as a mother by choice. Her groups of treasured friends—the Birthday Group, Need to See Group, Bunco Group, Red Hat Ladies, and the Service League—were extended family, bonded by love and shared joy. Lane is survived by her devoted husband, Ted Harris Sr., with whom she shared a beautiful life. Together they raised their children: Veni Garrett, Dara Fuller and husband Ralph, Laran Cone and husband Jim, Ted Harris Jr. and wife Vivianna, and Juliana Harris. She leaves behind a cherished legacy in her grandchildren: Dutch Fuller (wife Katie); Amie Oelze (husband Jarrod); Chere Garrett; Dorinda Lee (husband Jeremy),Justin Fordinal (wife Barachel); Lauren Fuller; Teddy Harris; Kirstin Fairman—proudly raised by Ted and Lane—(husband Konner); Jessica Garrett; Bryanna Dubois (husband Owen); and Brayden Harris—as well as fifteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Arthur Charles Oswald Jr. and Stewart Allen Oswald, as well as her grandsons Christapher Dane Fuller (wife Lauren) and Darren Scott Harris. Lane’s spirit was generous, her laughter infectious, and her ability to make others feel seen and celebrated unmatched. Lane lived a rich and joy-filled life, and her vibrant presence will be profoundly missed. We will remember her in every warm smile, every meal made with care, and every moment shared with family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Lane Alice Harris

June 1, 1936 - May 11, 2025