Jessie Ann Harris

She was born on November 29, 1932, to William Sanford and Flora Beatrice Hopkins in rural Tippah County, Mississippi. After living briefly in Blue Mountain, and Ripley, Mississippi, at the age of 9, she moved with her family, to Memphis Tennessee, where she lived until her death.

In 1949, while still in high school, she married the love of her life, Donnie F. Harris. The marriage lasted 75 years until he died 5 days before her death.

Jessie was a devoted mother to her two sons, Don Harris, and Joey Harris. She worked tirelessly in PTA and other school support groups during their years in school.

Mrs. Harris was also a dedicated member of Georgian Hills Baptist Church, and later, Ellendale Baptist Church. Later in life, she went back to school and obtained training in secretarial and business administration. She was employed by Frayser Presbyterian Church for 17 years as church secretary. She felt it was a calling. She retired in 1996.

She is predeceased by her husband Donnie F. Harris, and parents, Sanford and Beatrice Hopkins, two sisters: Willie Ruth Hopkins Little and Rubye Hopkins Walker.

Jessie is survived by her two sons, Donald S. Harris (Brenda) and Joseph K. Harris (Angie), 4 grandchildren: Emily Harris Stolnicki (Andrew), Jeremy Harris (Kimberly), Jess Harris (Megan) and Grace Harris Lancaster (Eli) and 10 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Heart Association or Ellendale Baptist Church.