Esther Mae Harris

Esther Mae Harris was born on August 3, 1929. She was the only child to the late James & Annie Wharton Harris. On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, Esther heard the call of her heavenly father and entered into eternal rest. She was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church, attending services until her illness. Esther received her formal education at Mt. Olive Elementary School and High School for Colored People. She worked at Libby’s Canning Factory, and was a domestic worker for the Richardson, Roe, Calloway, Metz, Mcllvaine & Seamans families. Her most memorable family was the Rodriguez family (Nick, Trish, Laura, Jennie and Charlie) whom she adored and spoke of often. Esther was known for her quiet manner and quick wit, telling people to follow the speed limit because “she had no money to pay their speeding tickets”. If she thought she struck a nerve she would say “Sorry Mr. Pistol, I didn’t know you were loaded”. She enjoyed Bingo, telling the callers to “shake them balls”, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, and watching her soap operas & judge shows. She also enjoyed watching her son Douglas play softball and pitch horseshoes. Mom was a true warrior, she was placed on Hospice on December 27, 2017, and the family was called numerous times where they only gave her 2 days to 2 weeks at the most to live, but God said differently. Her last words to her baby girl (Linda) were “The Lord Knows, The Lord Knows”. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Delores A. Jordan; half-sister, Arlene Berry; the love of her life, John Burton; and step-sons Alvin, Russell, Jack, Kenny, Charles, and Lester Burton. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Dorothy L. Fisher (Rev. Raymond), Douglas E. Harris (Devoral), Catherine E. Williamson and Linda M. Harris; her “secret boyfriend” Gregory Lawrence; honorary daughter, Patricia Brooks; step-sons, Melvin (Margie) and Sidney Burton; grandchildren, Michael Fisher (Sheryl), Maurice Fisher (Macheko), Howard Fisher, Kimberly Cromwell (David, Sr.), Rashaun Harris (Gladys), Amelia Harris, Thomas Williamson and Malcolm Williamson (Sara); honorary granddaughter, Jacqueline Fisher; numerous step-grands and a special step-grandson, Devon Johnson; great grand-children, Cieara Williams, Michael Fisher, Jr., Dasia Cromwell, David Cromwell, Jr., Shyhee McDowell, Sr., Iraina McDowell, Zaki Brown, Jalani Harris, Jacob Harris, Cora Harris, Maddox Williamson, and Avery Williamson; great-great grand-children, Ava Hicks, Antonio Snipes, Jr., Mika Fisher, Shyhee McDowell, Jr., Shyana McDowell; numerous step great-grandchildren; and a grand-dog whom she called “Boo-Boo” but her name is actually Penny; and many cousins, friends and church family. Special names for Esther were Punkin’, Pookie, Puddin’, Eloise, Mommy, Granny, Mom-Mom, Queen Esther, and of course Mommy Esther. She was our rock and a legacy well lived. She will be truly missed.

Esther Mae Harris

August 3, 1929 - August 28, 2019