It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Deloris Gaye Harris, who left this world on January 27, 2026, at the age of 67. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose strength, humor, and unwavering love shaped every life she touched.
Deloris married the love of her life, Roger “Dale” Harris, on January 3, 1973. Together they built a life rooted in devotion, hard work, and deep family love. She worked alongside Dale in their family business for many years before serving Madera County in both Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office.
She retired early to care for Dale during his battle with pancreatic cancer. After his passing, she found joy in time spent with family, especially her granddaughter Charlie, road trips to the mountains or ocean, in the companionship of her beloved cats, and in the hobbies she loved most—sewing and gardening.
Deloris privately battled breast cancer for the past three years, showing remarkable strength, humor, and resilience even as only a few people knew the extent of her fight.
She is survived by her children Christina and husband Sergio Perez; Ricky and wife Patrica Harris; grandchildren Anthony and wife Marisa Perez, Marissah Perez and Charlie Harris; great granddaughter Juniper Ray; and sister Frances Branton. Deloris was preceded in death by her husband Dale Harris, her parents Roy and Melba Hawkins, and her siblings Aretta Glisson and Homer Hawkins.
A service to honor her life will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, followed by a reception with family and friends. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Dale, on Friday, February 20, at San Joaquín Valley National Cemetery.
If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to The Cat House on the Kings: https://givebutter.com/cathouseonthekings
