Ella Mae Harris

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ella Mae Harris, at the age of 88 on October 9th, 2023. She leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness that will forever warm the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born on March 17th, 1935 in Guthrie, Oklahoma to Ernest and Emma Mae Gillett. Ella was a woman of extraordinary character. Even as a child she was an industrious member of the town's 4-H Club, and committed the rest of her life to using her head, heart, and hands to provide comfort for those around her. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Melvin, and a nurturing mother to her three children, David, Richard, and Sharon, who she raised with grace and unconditional love.

Her 88 years were marked by countless moments of joy and laughter. A considerable amount of her working life was spent in the field of education; the students in her classes were taught and cared for as if they were her own children. Ella was also known for her culinary expertise, and her homemade recipes will forever be treasured by her family.

She had a special bond with her two grandchildren, Michael and Chrissy, and she cherished the time spent with them, often sharing stories, baking treats, and singing songs with an ever-present smile. Despite health complications in her final years, she still considered herself absolutely blessed by the company of her two great-grandchildren, Eli and Tabitha. She spent her spare time hand-crafting special presents for them with her incredible gift for sewing and needlepoint.

Ella joins her husband, Melvin and son, David in Heaven. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon; son, Richard and wife, Becky; grandson, Michael and wife, Claire; granddaughter, Chrissy and husband, Nathan; and her two great-grandchildren, Eli and Tabitha.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held to celebrate her life on Friday, October 13th, 2023 at 12:00p.m., at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home in Grand Prairie, Texas. Interment to follow in Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity which helps provide food to those in need, which was Ella's passion and love language.

Although Ella will be deeply missed by her friends and family, she will forever remain alive in our hearts, a beacon of love, strength, and unwavering support.

The Compassion Helpline is being provided free of charge by Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home for a period of three months from the date of this service for family and close friends. For personal and confidential phone counseling free of charge call: 866-649- 9644.