Bettie Harris

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Mrs. Bettie B. Harris Camper was born on June 18, 1916, in Marvell, Arkansas, to the late Louis and Sallie (nee Williams) Harris. Her birth name was Sabetha, which she later changed to Bettie. Bettie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the pastorate of her father, Elder Louis Harris. As a young adult, Bettie married the late James Pettye and they were blessed with five children (Anne, Joe L., Ruben L., John L., and Carrie).

While growing up on the family farm in the small town of Marvell, Arkansas, Bettie would often look through magazines and catalogs as she dreamed of living a different lifestyle away from the farm. Therefore, in the early 1940’s as a young divorcee, Bettie travelled to Columbus, Ohio, in search of starting a career. There, she joined her eldest sister Lue Carrie Gray, and Bettie credits Mrs. Gray with teaching her intricate hand stitching that she successfully utilized in her career as a designer (clothing, hats, coats, and furs).

Bettie’s faith in the Lord, craftsmanship in designing and sewing, tenacity, and desire to provide for her children gave her the strength to overcome prejudice in the workplace and society during some of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the United States of America. Although Bettie held numerous positions during her lifetime, she was most proud of the work that she accomplished while employed at Lazarus Department Store as a silk cutter and fur repair artist from 1959 until she retired. Mrs. Harris was the first African-American to hold that position. Her work ethic allowed her to buy the lovely items that she always desired, dress fashionably, and become a homeowner when people of various ethnicities found it to be challenging.

1n 1947, Ms. Harris joined Mt. Zion Church of God and Christ. As an active member, she started the Sewing Circle. Later, under the leadership of Elder Homes, Sis. Harris was appointed to the position of Sunday school teacher for youth ages 16 – 21 years old. She spent many hours each week for decades preparing lessons. Sis. Harris also ushered, sang in the Senior Choir, served as the secretary of the benevolence, and was the assistant church secretary to Sister Lacella Peters. Throughout Sis. Harris’ active years, she received numbers recognition from Mt. Zion for her dedication, service, and writings.

During the late 1950’s Bettie married Reverend Issac Camper (affectionately known as “Daddy Camper” to Bettie’s kids and grandchildren). They spent many blissful years of marriage, while he pastored a church and they raised their blended family. Although Bettie was the first lady at her husband’s church, she continued her membership at Mt. Zion Church of God and Christ.

Affectionately known to family and many friends as “Little Mommy.” The patriarch of the family departed this life on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, in her daughter’s home and under the watchful eye of God and family. Little Mommy leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, daughter Mrs. Carrie (late James) Hurn of Cleveland, Ohio, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; members of her church family; and dear friends. Little Mommy is preceded in death by four of her children (Anne Pennelope (late Walter) Swift, Joe L. Pettye, Ruben L. Pettye, and John L. Pettye), four brothers (Charles Harris, Ruben Harris, Booker T. Harris, and Willie James Harris) and six sisters (Lue Carrie Gray, Sallie A. Harris, Drue Harris, Lucille Ward, Annie Laura Collier and Anner Harris Gradic).