FRANKLIN—Mary L. Bunch, died Aug. 17, 2007.

She was a native of Southampton County and resided in Franklin. Born on Jan. 5, 1940 to the late Walter and Annie Wyche. She was the seventh of nine children born to this union.

Mrs. Bunch was preceded in death by her son, Perry Harris; brothers, Rufus Wyche, Paul Wyche and John Wyche; and sister, Louise Whitfield.

She was reared in Southampton County and educated in the Southampton County Public School System. She married Joseph Sykes Harris in 1958.

She later moved to Ossining, N.Y. where she worked as a caregiver and nursing assistant for many years. She was known for the compassionate and loving care she provided to her patients.

She moved back to Virginia in 2001 with her children and grandchildren. She was a lady of few words but when she spoke her words were meaningful and insightful.

She was an unselfish individual who sacrificed her needs to care for others.

She was noted for her devotion to her children and grandchildren. She was an avid fisher and spent many hours fishing with her family and friends.

She recently dedicated her life to Jesus and joined Mount Tabor Baptist Church, Newsoms, under the leadership of Pastor Jeremiah Cole.

Survivors include a loving and devoted daughter, Teresa Harris Richardson (James) of Franklin; three loving and devoted sons, Carl B. Harris (Jo Ann) of Franklin, Joe J. Harris of Chesapeake and Terry Harris (Lorrie) of the Bronx, N.Y.; husband, Eric G. Bunch of Boston, Mass.; Mother-in-law, Nancy Bunch of Manhattan, N.Y.; three sisters, Dorothy Stephens of Ossining, Helen Sanderfur of Courtland and Ethel Murrell of Franklin; one brother, Eddie “Peter” Wyche of Courtland; eight grandchildren, James Harris Richardson of San Diego, Calif., Terry Harris Jr. of Charlotte, N.C., Joe’l N. Harris of Franklin, Joe Harris Collins of Portsmouth, Jheresa Monique Richardson of Franklin, Joseph Harris Falkins of Charlotteville, Carl B. Harris II of Franklin and Jerron “Tre” Richardson of Franklin; three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Mrs. Bunch had caring and devoted support from friends and family including Linda Hines, best friend; James Richardson, son-in-law; Jo Ann Harris, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Mary, who made sure her grandmother was never alone at night.

Funeral services were held Aug. 21 at Morning Star Baptist Church, Capron, with the Rev. Jeremiah Cole, officiating.

Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.