Inez Harris

Inez Lee Harris, born April 12, 1937 to her loving parents Jesse Dean Price and Annie Mae Price, her brother Edward Dawson and sister Colleen Wade, who she truly adored. All of whom have since passed. Inez passed peacefully in her sleep on March 2nd, 2024. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Solomon Harris, and her first born son, Michael Anthony Drake I.

She is survived by her children, De (Terri) Drake-Craig, Darrell Drake, Steven (Ruth) Drake, Linda (Darryl) Lee, and Diana Devlin, and daughter-in-law Deborah Sue Drake, seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, eight great, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, especially her life-time friend, Ruth Haslet, who has been one of her best friends since childhood.

Inez was a happy, cheerful soul with a smile like sunshine. She attended Columbus Public Schools and loved nothing more than being a wife and mother. Being the mother of six, she loved all babies and has said many times that she should have had more. She worked various jobs throughout her life, including many years under Gale Shamasky, which lead to a close friendship between them. In 1967, Inez and her husband, Solomon, had their family home built. She was introduced to travel by her brother, Edward, and she instantly fell in love with it. Inez joined her brother’s travel club, The Ten Gents and Their Ladies, along with her husband and her sister, Colleen and travelled all over the world in style. She later joined a national travel club and then went on to start her own travel agency, Harris Escapes. She loved putting together group trips for her clients.

Inez loved her church, New Birth Christian Ministries, and looked forward to the services, bible studies, and other activities. She enjoyed going to the rec center with her friends, Jean and Rose, every week. Inez created a loving community for herself of family and friends, including her next-door neighbors, the Littlefields. Besides her children, whom she loved deeply, her nieces and nephews were her second set of children.

Inez became the matriarch of her family; she cared so much about family that she took time to reach out and connect with them all. She enjoyed holidays and family gatherings and would prepare large, delicious meals with her sister. Family was EVERYTHING to her and she loved every single member.

Her daughter, De Drake-Craig, would like to give a special thank you to Deborah Sue Drake for her loyal assistance in Inez’ care over the past few years and extends much gratitude to Inez’ granddaughter, Darlene Drake for the tender love, care, and attention she selflessly gave. She would also like to thank the workers at Mt. Carmel Hospice for their amazing care of her beloved mother.