Rita M. Harris

Rita was born on January 27, 1935, in Arlington, Tennessee, to Henry and Lillian Walton. A devoted wife to the late James Harris and loving mother to the late Carolyn Gilles, Sandy Hayes Jr., and Carl Hayes, Rita lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service in Memphis, TN until moving to Indiana and becoming a member of Reed’s Temple C.O.G.I.C. in 2024.

A dedicated stay-at-home mother, Rita found deep joy and purpose in her home and church. She was an active and faithful member of Gateway Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) in Memphis, TN, where she served as president of the Hospitality Committee and as a committed member of the Missionary Board. Her kindness, warmth, and service left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Rita was preceded in death by her siblings James Henry Walton, Katherine Smith, Evie Bolden and Lillie Mae Holmes. Rita is survived by her sister, Margaret Martin Turner; her children Donald Hayes and Rena Harris-Jenkins; and her cherished grandchildren Sandy Hayes III, Monika Hayes, Carl Brandon Hayes, Christiana Gilles, Arionna Onley, Ava Hayes, Gabriel Jenkins, and Paige Hayes. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Bartlett, TN.