Ellen Loraine 'Skip' (Walker) Harris

Ellen Loraine (Walker) Harris was born November 23, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio. Affectionately known to many as Skip, she grew up in Urbancrest and Columbus, where she graduated from East High School. She developed a passion for music and began to master the heavenly sounds of the piano. Immediately after high school, Ellen enlisted in the United States Army where she excelled tremendously through her training and climbed the ranks of authority. During her military career, she was stationed in Japan as well as in many locations throughout the United States. She received numerous awards, accolades and decorations for her honorable service, including certificates in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Prior to retirement, Ellen was promoted to Master Sergeant. She is recognized in the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, which was erected at Arlington National Cemetery, in commemoration of President Truman's order to end racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces. After serving her country on a national level, Ellen began to make a difference on more personal levels. She obtained an Associate degree in Christian Education from Methodist Theological School in Ohio (also known as METHESCO). Later, she enrolled at Ohio Dominican University, where she received a Bachelor degree in Library Science. She began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), and volunteering as a literacy advocate and tutor for young children. She was very active with the Mount Vernon Youth Association. When we think of Ellen, we think of her love for music. She attended Capital University School of Music and received numerous certificates for her participation with the Hampton University Choir Directors and Organists Guild Workshops, Beatrice Bess Music, and the National Association of Negro Musicians. A musician and choir director for various churches in the Central Ohio area, Ellen enjoyed playing and singing with the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Afro-American Concert Choir, with which she would sing one of her favorite spirituals, I Want To Die Easy. A member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, she served in many capacities, including the Welcome Committee, Food Pantry, Singles Ministry, Musician/Director of the Senior Choir, Vacation Bible School, Newsletter Office Committee, and helped orchestrate the New Salem Library. On the morning of Saturday, July 27, 2013, at the age of 77, Ellen quietly walked through the gates of Heaven and peacefully took hold of our Savior's hand. She was surrounded by her family and friends at the Zusman Hospice of Wexner Heritage Village. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Idella D. Pettway and Orville L. Walker, brothers, Herbert Walker and Gail L. Walker, sister Linda L. Pettway; special aunt Viola E. Armstrong, uncle Wilbert Armstrong, and stepmother Marietta Hayes. Those who remain to keep Ellen's memory alive, include her daughter Tanya E. Franklin; nephew/son William (Coretta) Pettway; grandchildren, Antwuan McCoy, Taria McCoy, Tayona Franklin, Keon Franklin, and De'Juan Stevens; several adoptive grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; sisters Barbara R. Walker and Evelyn Johnson; spiritual parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Mason; special friends, Vernadine DeeDee Pickins and Fannie Benton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.