Elvie Mae "Moochie" Benson Harris

Elvie Mae (Benson) Harris, age 66, also fondly called “Moochie” by dear family and friends, passed from this life on January 11, 2012. She was in Hospice House of Odessa after fighting a courageous battle with cancer and renal disease.

She was born in Caldwell, TX, on June 19, 1945, where she later moved to Odessa in 1950. She graduated from Blackshear High School in 1965, and later received her nursing license from Odessa College.

Moochie was the first of eight children. She took pride in caring for each and every one of her siblings whether it was a monetary need or just a big sister there to listen and fix whatever the problem. After she married Willis Harris in November, 1966, those siblings were lucky enough not to lose a sister, but to gain a brother-in-law that also went above and beyond for their needs.

She worked as an LVN for over 40 years with the last 20 years employed at Medical Center Hospital, retiring on January 19, 2004. She had a reputation for being kind, loving and caring, not only to her patients, but the doctors and her co-workers as well.

Throughout her life she was involved with many organizations including: Mt Zion Baptist Church, the NAACP, the PTA, Troop leader for the Girls Scouts of America, inter-faith sewing, the OHS Booster Club and Relay for Life.

If there is one thing anyone knew about Elvie, it was the love she had for all her grandkids. She literally built her life around them. Granny will be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, mother, Norma Jean (Benson) Shelton, and step-son Billy Harris.

Survivors include her three sons, Steve Harris and his daughter, Kayla Harris of Long Beach, CA, Victor Harris and wife Sandra of Godfrey, IL, Chris Harris and wife Becky, and their sons, Bryce, Dylanger, and Remington Harris of Odessa, daughter, Nicole Grimes and husband Taviche and daughters, Tavani and Tavari Grimes and sons, Jeffery Redic-Harris and Shawnacee Powell-Harris, all of Odessa, god-son, Courtney McBride of Odessa, step-sons, Jerry Harris and Kenneth Harris, both of Austin, Willie Washington of Sedona, AZ; step-daughter, Martha Lynn Wright of Austin, TX; two brothers, Carl Shelton of Austin, Leroy Shelton of Lubbock, five sisters, Jerline Comer of Ft. Worth, Mary Jackson Maxey and Emma Hunter both of Long Beach, CA, Betty Medlock of Odessa, and Irma Hopson of Midland.

God gained an angel, but we lost a Momma, Granny, Sister, Aunt and a Friend.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Khandalwal, Dr. Kodi, and to the Hospice House and Staff for all the care given to our mother throughout her illness.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at St. John’s Baptist Church with Rev. Edward Canady, Rev. W. M. Tatum, and Rev. E. J. Miller officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.