Christina Harris

The Early Years

Christina Frances Combs, the fifth child of the late Robert and Mittie-Frances Combs was born in Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. Christina was the second youngest of six children (Lauran Ann, Robert Ronald, Warner James who preceded her in death) Herman Anthony and Barry John. Soon After Christina was born, the Combs family moved from Brighten Beach, Brooklyn to Manhattan’s lower east side. There, religion continued to play a significant role in the life of the Combs Family and St. Augustine’s Episcopal church became the place that would help strengthen their faith, hearts and souls.

At St. Augustine’s Episcopal church, Christina’s family led by Mittie and Robert Combs continued to build on their Christian Faith. Christina was baptized and confirmed at St, Augustine’s Episcopal church and participated in many church activities. Sunday Services and Sunday school was an absolute must as her parents instilled in Christina and her siblings the need to love, respect, forgive and honor; all of which are teachings of Jesus.

At a young age Christina showed an interest in ballet, and so her parents placed her in dance school for children. Her brother James took tap dance lessons at the same school and also served as a protector for his baby sister. At such an early age she was interested in the performing arts, and her parents had given her that opportunity to pursue her interest. Christina attended PS 147 elementary school and at that young age she showed an interest in ballet, and so her parents placed her in dance school for children. She then went to PS 12 junior high school on the Lower East Side and because of her interest in music she sang in the School’s Chorus and played violin.

Christina went to the high school of fashion industries where she had dreams of one day becoming a fashion designer and owning her own clothing line and boutique. After graduating from the High School of fashion industry she chose to continue her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In between her studies, and through a program extended by her high school, Christina was offered a part time modeling position by a bridal gown manufacturer in NYC’s fashion district. This was her very first job and she was overly excited to be able to open her own bank account.

A Special Union of Fate

Her entire career plans were short lived when she was introduced to her future husband at the historic Apollo theatre in Harlem New York, Otis Robert Harris Jr (aka Damon Harris) who was a member of the world famous Motown singing group The Temptations. They were both young and it was love at first sight and they were inseparable. Soon thereafter, they were married at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. She then moved to Detroit with her husband where the historic Motown music studio is ocated so he could work and record music with the group.

Christina was enthused about supporting her new husband in every way that a wife could. Now that they found love and success; as Damon just finished recording certified gold music hits, “papa was a rolling stone” and “masterpiece”, they felt it was the right time to start a family and to carry on his name. Christina and Damon both desired that their first born child to be a healthy boy. God granted that wish, and they were blessed with a son, Otis Robert Harris III (Tre’). Shortly after their son’s arrival the family moved to Los Angeles; as Motown relocated from Detroit to pursue better opportunities for the labels artists.

Christina’s family dynamic shifted once again but her support for her family remained unwavering as several years later Damon decided to become a solo artist which brought the family back to the east coast. It was another adjustment but being near her parents again was a transition that she made with ease. As her husband worked on his music Christina preserved the family union and continued their relationship with the church with the support of her mother and father (Mittie and Robert Combs).

To complete the family a daughter, Dominique Chris-Ann Harris was born. Although Christina was overjoyed with being a wife, her true joy was becoming a mother once again. She was committed to both her children and their every need and was honored to be called mommy.

A New Beginning

Although she was a proud Mom and always said that her children gave her a whole new purpose for living, Christina now felt it was time to pursue her own career to help provide a better life for her family. Subsequently, she became employed by the City of New York, Dept, of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) as a contract coordinator. Within a few years of working hard she was promoted to Deputy Director in the Equal Opportunity Division. Still, determination guided her to interview for a director position which became a reality. Christina was promoted as the Director of Labor Standards Enforcement Unit. During her tenure Christina received several award recognitions for representing HPD. Her most notable award recognition was related to meeting the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and US Department of Labor compliance standards for construction contractors. Christina did not forget her staff and the hard work that they displayed when working for her. She encouraged and supported their advancement and initiated their promotions as well when there was an opportunity to do so. Christina was dedicated to her responsibilities as a director and gave 30 years of service to HPD.

The Later Years

Close to retirement, Christina Harris was called upon to a life a service and support to her family once again. Christina’s parents (Mittie and Robert combs) were aging and fell ill with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and she directly assisted in their care in the comfort of their own home. Christina cherished her parents and with the help of home care assistance and other family members, Christina coordinated the necessary care needed to keep her parents comfortable in their home.

Although it was a challenge, she was determined to make sure that they were comfortable and well taken care of until their passing. Christina was heart-broken when the Lord called her parents back home but continued to honor her parents by donating money to the Alzheimer’s Foundation as well as participating in the “End Alzheimer’s“ walk-a-thon. She also advocated for Mount Sanai’s Hospital visiting doctor’s program, which provided care to her parents. For several years after her parents’ passing, she participated at Mount Sanai Annual Interfaith Memorial Seminars

Christina transparently served her family with quiet strength. Christina led with love, compassion, and empathy for those that sough her support. She made a constant effort to preserve family tradition and values taught to her from Mittie-Francis and Robert Combs (hard work, loyalty to family, give time and thanks to the Lord).

Christina Hobbies

Christina enjoyed having outdoor barbeques and social get together’s with her family and friends as she was an excellent cook. She also loved being near the water and appreciated being able to vacation in the Caribbean and Florida. She insisted on getting away several times a year, as she would say, “for a mental break.” She deeply loved and adored her grandchildren, Brycen Robert and Kensley Celine and they vacationed together.

Another of Christina’s favorite past times was shopping. She loved to shop for herself, and others and she had remarkable style and flair.

A Time to Mourn

To cherish her memories, Christina is survived by her children, Otis Robert Harris III (Tre) and Dominique Chris-Ann. Her grandchildren, Brycen Robert and Kensley Celine, her siblings Herman Anthony and Barry John. Her daughter in law Luz Teresa, her nieces and nephews Alvin (Lillian), Alicia, James, Teresa, Darryl (Cheryl), Robert (Jr), Ronald, Warren, Tyrell, Matthew, Christopher, Christina, Lisa, Meredith, Lauren Rana (Ibrahima), Kyle. 33 great nieces and nephews and 16 great, great nieces and nephews. Her Brother-in-Law Terry Allen (Anisa) Harris, and a number of loving cousins and those special loving and dear friends (Kimio, Carol).

The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The committal service is scheduled for January 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, 770 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10032.