Madge Tucker (Holman) Harry

Mrs. Madge Tucker Holman Harry, daughter of the late Luther Ashley and Margaret Tucker Holman, was born on July 17, 1920 in Durham, NC.  She went to her well earned reward on Sunday morning, March 17, 2019 after 98 years in serving her Lord.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Eric Neal Harry.

She was educated in the Durham Public Schools.  She was a 1941 graduate of North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) with a major in biology and minor in music.  She had further studies at New York University and Columbia University in New York City.      

As a child she studied piano under the tutelage of Margaret Spaulding Shearin (her mentor for life).

After returning to Durham, she began teaching in the North Carolina public school system including Durham, Wake and Orange counties.

In 1973 she retired from the school system to care for her mother, Margaret Tucker Holman and her aunt, Madge Hargraves.  She expanded her ongoing private piano teaching into workshops for children after school.

She was a member of the Durham Music Teachers Association, secretary of the Durham Civic Choral Society and a founding member of the Triangle Note – ables.  She was also a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. where she was elevated to the office of secretary of the Southeastern District.

Mrs. Harry was a lifelong member of White Rock Baptist Church being christened as a baby by Dr. William Brawley and later baptized as a young child.

"Little” Madge as she was playfully known by her peers, loved her church, music and her Lord.

She taught music, dignity and love to all that she encountered.  Some of her talented students included:  musician and singer James Zachary Taylor, NCCU Athletics Director Ingrid Wicker-McCree and former NFL football player Dewayne Washington.

Madge Tucker Holman Harry leaves behind her only child, Eric; numerous cousins; and a host of friends.

Every year, Mrs. Harry donated the Madge T. Hargraves Youth Award in honor of her aunt Madge who served as President of the Board of Christian Education.

How many of us ever stop to think

Of music as a wondrous magic link with God;

Taking sometimes the pace of prayer,

When words have failed us ‘neath the weight of care?

Music, that knows no country, race of creed;

But gives to each according to his need

Source unknown

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Madge Tucker (Holman) Harry, please visit our floral store.