Obituaries

Miriam Cale Harmon, 90, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025. She was a native of Augusta, Georgia, and a resident of Newport News, Virginia, for 58 years. Miriam was a primary school teacher and a homemaker. She was a Christian by faith and a member of the Episcopal church. She graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, in 1957. She was a longtime member of WICA (White Ironstone China Association) and an avid collector.

Miriam was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James A. Harmon Sr., and her parents, Lewis Bertram Cale and James (Jimmie) Elizabeth Conner. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Harmon Smith (fiancé Mark Murdock); son, James Alexander Harmon Jr. (Jeannie); grandchildren James Martin Smith (Samantha); and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Avery, and Evan.

She had a great sense of humor and was a fun person. She loved to giggle with her best friends, who were known as the “Golden Girls”. Miriam loved cats, and they were members of the family her entire life. She loved fashion, jewelry collecting, and decorating. She won the “Superlative Award” at Warwick Forest for “Best Dressed” and she was very proud of that. Her family never saw her in jeans or sweatpants.

Miriam’s favorite time of the year was Christmas, and she was an avid collector of Christmas décor and ornaments. Miriam and her husband loved antiquing after he retired, and she loved spending time with her family and friends. She adored her grandchildren.

Miriam had a zest for life! Her infectious laugh, love, and friendship will live on in family and friends, and our lives were enriched with her presence.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made in Miriam’s honor to the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601 (peninsulaspca.org/ways-to-give/).

The family would like to thank the staff at Warwick Forest for their care. A special thank you to Laura Williams, an honorary granddaughter, for providing loving companionship and care of Miriam.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia.