Delia Harris

Delia Pearl (Dykes) Harris passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at Memorial Hospital, Lufkin. She was 90 years old. Mrs. Harris was born March 4, 1920 in Manning to Lafayette and Effie (McSween)Dykes. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters and her husband, Minferd, the great love of her life, her darling daughter, Ann and two wonderful sons, Herb and Gabe; also, a granddaughter, Shannon Harris.

Mrs. Harris had resided in Zavalla for most of her life, having spent some early years in Saron and Port Arthur. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Zavalla.

She is survived by three daughters, Joyce Rowe of Dallas, Teresa Summerford of Houston, and Dr. Kay Harris of Hattiesburg, MS; two sons, Bill Harris of Longview, and Ray Harris of Zavalla; daughters-in-law, Mary, Karen, Billie and Patti Harris; son-in-law, Ben Rowe; grandsons, Terry and Joey Harris, Randy Havard, David Rowe, Tommy Harris, Cliff Harris, John Summerford; granddaughters, Robin Riddle, Leigh Ann Hankins, Jana Sheehan, Michaela Norris, Patty Carss, Angie Phillips and Lisa Rice; great - grandchildren, Chessa, Shade, Hannah, Caleb, Crystal, Justin, Rachel, Carter, Philip, Kyle, Ryan, Reagan, Kaci, Reagan, Andrew, William and David; Katie, Kyle, Keith, Erika, Krista, Anna, Isabella, and Paul; two cousins, Linwood Dykes and Wayne Hamilton and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Harris was a devoted and loving wife and mother who served the Lord and along with her husband brought up their children in the church. Unselfish, caring and fun, she brought a unique and beautiful light to those lives she touched, and there were many. Always smiling, usually singing, she greeted one and all, telling them she loved them. Creative in many ways, she lived for the Lord and her family and in doing so, her love and faith passed to them. She was a wonderful cook since childhood, learning to do so at 8 years old when her mother passed away. She had a big heart and a big kitchen, neither of which ever closed. The food was prepared with goodness and love, feeding both body and soul. All of her children woke up each morning to hear her singing in the kitchen as she cooked breakfast for them. A true renaissance woman, she was a great story teller and writer. She sang Irish ballads to her children as she rocked them to sleep.

She and Minferd introduced music to their children early on and that became the focal point of all family gatherings; children and grandchildren singing and playing the piano, guitar, fiddle, harmonica and dulcimer.

An avid reader, she also passed her love of God's Word to her children. Smart and ambitious, she owned and operated a small grocery store/café for many years. She adored meeting the public. Her store was a central meeting place for many in the community. There wasn't anything she felt she couldn't do with God's help.

As Bro. Modisett put it, "She was beyond precious".

Visitation will be Friday, October 29, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Gipson Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Cary Modisett officiating. Interment will follow in the Zavalla Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Rowe, Randy Havard, John Summerford, Terry, Joey, Tom and Cliff Harris.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Castle Pines Rehabilitation, Heart-to-Heart Hospice and Memorial Hospital and a special thank you to Helena McDaniel, her caretaker.

Memorials may be made to Shawnee Church, Huntington or First Baptist Church in Zavalla.

"Her children arise and call her Blessed", Proverbs 31:28.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome. com

Gipson Funeral Home, directors