Lurener Marie Harris

Lurener “Rena” Marie Harris was born June 15, 1945, in Albion, MI to Harry and Mary Lee (Reed) Gamble. Rena departed this life on Tuesday April 18, 2023, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, GA surrounded by her daughter and son-in-law.

She was one of six children and the last descendant of Harry and Mary Gamble. Rena was born and raised in Albion, she graduated from Albion High School. She lived her life caring for others and never met a stranger she didn’t like. She loved the Lord and loved sharing his goodness with others. Her sweet, kind, gentle spirit and gracious smile captivated who she was. Her heart was so big, not just for her family but anyone she encountered. Rena loved her children, grandchildren and great grandson to the fullest. She rarely complained and worked until January of this year before going to Georgia to be with her family. Rena had a passion for playing and watching sports including softball, but her true love was bowling.

Rena was an extraordinary woman and gained her work ethic from her mother Mary Gamble. She was proud to do her best and loved meeting and talking with everyone. Rena started working early in her teen years at City Bank in Albion, MI, where she worked 10yrs as a teller. She held various jobs throughout her career and was very proud of her last job at Albion College where she worked for 23 years. Rena loved talking to the students and encouraging them to keep striving and doing their best, she also took the opportunity to share the love of Christ with them every chance she could. She was a tithing member of Grace Temple C.O.G.I.C for 50 years, working in various ministries from the children’s ministry, finance secretary, choir and serving as an usher. She adopted the saying that her mother would say, “GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME!”

Rena was preceded in death by her husband, Allen "Jimmy" Harris; father, Harry Gamble; Mother Mary Lee Gamble; three brothers, Harry Runis (Jackie) Gamble, George Lee Gamble and Henry Bennett (Irene) Gamble. Two sisters, Youlande Drucilla (Gamble) Smith and Mary Elizabeth (C.W.) Welch.

Rena leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Rhonda Rena (Kevin) Gardenhire of Buford GA, Corey Jason Harris of Albion, MI and Chad Curtis Harris of Albion, MI. Five grandchildren, De’Quon Markeyse Harris of Jackson, MI, De’lon Martease (Angelika) Bouler of Vail, CO, Kortni Jalynn Gardenhire of Buford, GA, Kyle Allen Gardenhire of Buford, GA and Sydney Marie Gardenhire of Buford, GA and one great grandchild De’lon Martease Arroz Bouler of Vail, CO. Three sisters-in-law, Mary Gamble of Jackson, MI, Mattie (Les) Harris of Springport, MI, and Jerry Lee of Flint, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.