Ophelia Harris

Ophelia Mildred Harris, matriarch of the Harris family, was born April 3, 1922 in Elkin, NC to the late Curtis and Lela (Phillips) Martin. Mother Harris died peacefully in her sleep on April 20, 2024 at the age of 102 while residing at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor Skilled Nursing Home in Columbus, OH.

Mother Harris lived a long and fruitful life and she was witness to many amazing events in history. She was born at a time when television, telephones, cell phones, i.e. iphones and iPads were not considered necessities. She lived through segregation, integration and the Civil Rights movement. She also witnessed the recession, depression, man walking on the moon and the election of the first African-American President. Her longevity and life experiences led to her being honored and awarded a plaque as one of their oldest residents during Black History month this year.

Mother Harris' early education took place in West Virginia after she moved there from Elkin, NC in 1925. She graduated from Kimball High School located in Kimball, WV in 1941. She married her childhood sweetheart, Carey Harris, Sr. in 1942 and this union produced six children, although one died at birth. At the time of her marriage, she gave up her job aspirations to concentrate on being a wife and mother. Her main focus became raising five intelligent, well-educated, independent and Christian children. After living in West Virginia for over 50 years, she then relocated to Columbus, OH in 1977 with her mother, Lela.

Mother Harris always had a deep abiding faith in God and passed this faith along to her children and grandchildren. She was the typical praying grandmother. She would never miss an opportunity to impart her love of God to family and friends. Mother Harris loved her Church, New Fellowship Baptist Church, and was very active. She attended Sunday School, Worship Services, Bible Study and ongoing scheduled ministry programs and events. She was a member of the Angels of Mercy Ministry, honorary Usher, and the eldest Church Mother.

In addition to attending church, Mother Harris also enjoyed solving her Word Search puzzles, playing Bingo, shopping with her "road dog" and travelling. She was also a great cook in her day and passed on this skill to her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mother Harris was preceded in death by her husband, Carey Harris, Sr; brothers: Thomas Martin and Melvin Harris; and her daughter-in-law, Nadine Harris.

Mother Harris leaves behind to cherish her precious memory: her sister, Phyllis (Seigle) Lanier; daughters: Barbara Harris, Christine Mathis and Marva (Roy) Hogan of Columbus, OH; sons: Carey (Gloria) Harris, Jr of Glendale, AZ and John Harris, Sr of Fontana, CA; eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and a special friend, Ms. Evelyn Washington.

Mother Harris will always be remembered for her kindness, spiritual faith, love of family and friends and her varied pearls of wisdom. Although her absence will be deeply felt, her cherished memory will live on in those who knew her best.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want... (Psalm 23)