Elizabeth Harris-Henry

Many of you know Top, by her nickname, but did you know that she was christened as Elizabeth Mae Harris? She earned the nickname Top because, as a baby, she had only grown a small tuft of hair in the top of her head and the name was descriptive. Even though she later grew a head-full of hair, sporting bangs and a swinging ponytail, Top, became her name for life. She was named Elizabeth in memory of our paternal grandmother and a maternal aunt. Top was the first of seven children born to William and Beatrice (Causey) Harris. She was born in Dover, Delaware, on June 9, 1941, with the skills and assistance of a midwife, for Kent General did not admit Negro women into the hospital to deliver their babies, during that era of segregation. Elizabeth was always a good student and attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School and graduated from William Henry High School in 1959-60. Getting an education was a goal that Bill and Bea Harris always encouraged for their children. Elizabeth went on to higher learning after working at the Dover Day Care Center, for the State of Delaware for ten plus years. She worked with children who had special needs. She moved to Paterson, New Jersey, after marrying Oscar Henry and continued pursuing her education. Top worked with the Head Start Program while obtaining her Bachelor Of Science degree at Petersburg College in New Jersey. After several years at Head Start, Top transferred to the Norman S. Weir School, under the Paterson Public School District. She taught early elementary developmentally able children for nearly fifteen years. Top had patience and dedication toward her students. Elizabeth was also active in her teacher’s union and became a life member in the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Top was a woman of faith and was active in her church in New Jersey and served on the Scholarship and Education Committee. Since her retirement and return to Dover in 2004 -2005, she rejoined Union Baptist Missionary Church and became active with the Nurses Unit and Kitchen/Hospitality services. Actually, Elizabeth was known for her plate sopping gravy and coleslaw! Growing up, Top developed many skills, such as sewing and singing. She made matching outfits, skirts with changeable bib tops, for herself and her two younger sisters, Mildred and Geraldine when they were a church singing trio. Top always knew how to capitalize on her skills, and make it profitable. She had that entrepreneurial spirit. Elizabeth did hair and made potholders with the loom and loops and sold the potholders for fifteen cents each or two for twenty-five cents. When she was about fourteen or so, Top decided that she and her siblings were going to have a yard party. She charged the neighborhood kids a nickel or dime for admission. They played games including checkers, jacks and marbles and music on the record player. Top sold slices of her home-made cake and cups of Kool-Aid. They had so much fun and were thrilled that they made enough money to purchase school supplies for her siblings and herself to start the school year. Keeping with the entrepreneurial theme, after retiring from the Paterson School District, Top completed her training and became a Notary. She also started her home business, WE Henry Studio, providing computer and office services. Top liked helping people and didn’t mind seeing her name in print while doing so! Other little known facts about Top that I bet you didn’t know: Did you know that Top was a good driver? She could drive anything, automatic, stick-shift, four-on-the floor, school bus and go-cart. Their dad had taught her how to drive on his city work truck. I bet you didn’t know that Top could box a bit. Their father again, had taught her and the two brothers how. So if need presented itself, Top could take care of business! So beneath that petite facade, “Top didn’t take no stuff. She was a little piece of leather, but well put together!” After battling several health challenges for over a year, God said, “That’s enough, Thy good and faithful servant.” The family finds comfort in knowing that Top will see her loved ones in the afterlife. Preceding her in death were her parents, Bill and Bea Harris; her husband of twenty-nine years, Oscar; her son, Dougie; her sister Mildred; her brothers, Boy/Skeet and Philip; and daughter-in-law Vanessa. Left to miss her spirit and her physical presence are her son, Wayne; granddaughters, Latasha, Wykeishia, Khalidah “Peanut” and Deztiny; great-grandchildren, Tajera Johnson, Ta’Niya Clay and Alex Monclova-Rodriquez. Top, Elizabeth Mae Harris Henry, touched so many lives and leaves memories of love to all her nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Losing parents and siblings makes one feel like they are disappearing. Feeling the loss of their big sister are Wilma, Daryl and Geraldine (Gerri). Reflecting on their life-long relationship and holding dear, Remembering affectionately, There were seven, Now there are three! May God Be With You, May He Take Your Hand and May You Rest In Peace! Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Elizabeth Harris-Henry

June 9, 1941 - May 15, 2019