Mary Jane Morrison P’96, P’99, P’04 saw a reflection of her four sons in Christ School boys – their hopes and dreams, their idiosyncrasies, and above all, their potential.
She knew the purpose of her work better than anyone. And what Greenies got in return was a teacher, adviser, coach, dorm parent, and administrator who was as beloved and transformative as any faculty member of the modern era.
It gives everyone at Christ School great sadness to share that Mary Jane passed away on Monday. She was 75. Her obituary can be found at this link.
“A second mother.” “The sweetest person on the planet.” The Class of 2019 described Mary Jane this way in their Angelus yearbook dedication, made the same year she retired from full-time teaching.
Mary Jane’s devotion to building community and relational learning were obvious from the moment she joined the faculty in the fall of 1989.
As a new hire in the English Department, Mary Jane was one of only two women teachers at the time. Much like school co-founder Susan Wetmore before her, Mary Jane challenged gender norms as the school grew alongside her.
Mary Jane became Christ School’s first female Master Teacher, the first female Assistant Head of School, and the first woman to have the yearbook dedicated to her (three times). She developed the scope and sequence of the English Department’s curriculum in addition to founding the Honor Council. Mary Jane chaired English and Learning Resources, did a stint as Director of Student Life, and coached Little Greenies basketball. She moved onto campus in 1992 and lived in the dorms with her family, including three sons who went on to become alumni – Patrick Helm ’96, Daniel Helm ’99, and Michael Helm ’04.
The courtyard between the Media Center and Science Wing is named for Mary Jane, who had helped part-time in the Writing Center since her retirement.
Mary Jane was originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, and preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Paul Morrison, and a brother, Paul Morrison Jr.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Leigh Harris, our former Math Department Chair who also retired from full-time teaching in 2019 after 29 years at Christ School. Leigh remains with the Outdoor Program as a part-time coach.
Her children and their spouses are Patrick (Beth), Daniel (Bridgett), Theo (Kate), and Michael. Stepchildren are Tyler Harris (Julie) and Brooke Harris Raish (Andrew).
Mary Jane's brothers are Donnie and John Morrison (Betsy) and sisters are Helen Long (Jim) and Julia Pruitt. Leigh's brother is Tim Harris (Deana) and his sisters are Donna Pope and Dale Sparacino (David).
Mary Jane doted on her 17 grandchildren as much as possible and also leaves behind a host of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 8, at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Chapel, with a reception to follow in the Patrick Beaver '98 Student Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Christ School at www.christschool.org/giving/give or by check to Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden, N.C., 28704.