The Rev. Julia Hines-Harris is shown inside Open Door Christian Fellowship Church in York in this file photo. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- File)
The Rev. Julia Hines-Harris died Monday. She was 72. (Daily Record/Sunday News -- File)
Longtime York educator Julia Hines-Harris died Monday at her home. She was 72.
Hines-Harris was known as a "student for life," according to news reports. She was once quoted as saying "I'm proud of being a parent and a grandparent. It's so important that we be proud, especially in the African-American community."
Hines-Harris also was proud of being an ordained minister and of her work with the York City School District.
She worked 38 years for the York City School District as an educator, administrator and counselor. She served on the boards of community organizations, including the York County Council of Churches.
She earned a doctorate at 45 when she was assistant principal at Hannah Penn Middle School.
Bobby Simpson, executive director of the Crispus Attucks Community Center who grew up half-a-block from Harris and had known her all his life, said, "This community has lost, first of all, a good human being and, second of all, a great educator."
"She had a presence," he said. "When she walked into a room and spoke, you knew she was there. She was no-nonsense. What she said, she meant."
Simpson recalled that Harris always said, "Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do. But you need an education to do it."
Background on the Rev. Julia Hines-Harris
Born: Oct. 20, 1940, York
Family: Two sons, Richard E. Muldrow Jr. and Julius H. Muldrow, and two grandchildren, Richard E. Muldrow III and Danara C. Muldrow
Education: William Penn Senior High School, 1958; Cheyney State College, bachelor's in elementary education with minor in special education, 1962; Millersville State College, master's in guidance and counseling, 1970; University of Pennsylvania, doctorate in educational administration, 1985; courses at Penn State University, Boston College and American University.
Work: From 1962 to 1970, then 1971 to 2001, served many roles for York City School District, including elementary, reading and special education teacher; counselor for high school and middle school, assistant principal and principal for middle school, elementary principal and assistant superintendent of secondary education. Also served as assistant professor at Millersville State College, in charge of minority recruitment, from 1970 to 1971.
Ordained: December 2001; served as associate pastor of education at Open Door Christian Fellowship Church, York
Community involvement: York County Council of Churches, Children and Youth Advisory Board, York Hospital Auxiliary Board, Penn State University of York Advisory Board and the African-American focus group at the York County Heritage Trust.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, reading historical fiction, writing poetry, cooking and travel.
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She was honored during the York NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet in October.
