Celestine Harris

Celestine Harris, 87, passed away at her home Thursday, December 17, 2015, in Yakima, WA. Celestine was born July 9, 1928, in Canton, MS to Josie and Emmett Johnson. Her family migrated from Louisiana to Las Vegas, NV in 1941. In 1948, her family moved to Toppenish, WA, where she met and married Ernest Harris, November 25, 1951. They raised seven children, Gwendolyn, Cheryl, Duane Curtis, Rick, Judi, Robyn and Traci. Celestine was a florist at Alice’s Flowers. Then, employed and retired from Safeway Floral after 10 years. She valued education for her children and those in her community, serving on the Toppenish School Board for eight years.

Celestine was a member of Mount Hope Baptist Church in Yakima. She attended Bible Study Fellowship for 10 years. God, family and friends were her treasures. She loved cooking, baking, canning and gardening. Celestine was the Matriarch of her family and keeper of our family stories and history.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josie and Emmett Johnson, six siblings, husband, Ernest Harris and daughter, Cheryl. She was survived by her two sisters, Refernell Thompson of Seattle, WA and Ruth Jackson of Pasco, WA, five children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for our mom will be held at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, WA on Monday, December 28, 2015, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Graveside services will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish, WA, at 2 pm. A celebration of Celestine’s life is planned for this coming spring. The date and time will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite youth organization.

“My love is with you.” Celestine Harris

To share a memory of Celestine, please visit www.merrittsfuneralhome.com.