Mildred Harris

Mildred Harris was born on March 18, 1954 in East Chicago, IN (Lake County) to Fannie Joshua and Howard Clay. Mildred was the youngest of five children. At a young age, she gave birth to her first daughter. In her 20’s, she accepted Christ and became a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN. As a member, she served as a mother of the church, as an intercessory prayer warrior, and in the Adult Choir. While living in East Chicago, IN, she met and married John H. Harris, Jr. They united in marriage on October 31, 1980. To their union, they had four daughters. After a brief separation, Mildred and John would remarry on September 20, 1997. In 2001, she relocated to Louisville, KY where she became a member of St. Stephen Church. She briefly served in the Tabernacle Choir, where she was able to enjoy her passion for singing God’s praises. Mildred Harris was affectionately called “Gran-Gran” by her grandchildren. She was a devoted wife and mother. Above all, she was a devoted Christian and servant leader. Mildred exemplified the attributes of a virtuous woman in her life daily.

Upon settling in Louisville, KY, she briefly attended the University of Louisville to pursue a career in Nursing. In 2002, she obtained her CNA certification. When her mom became ill, she used her CNA skills to care for her mother until her death in 2009. Mildred retired as a CNA in 2016. During her retirement, she spent her time in worship and prayer. She also loved spending time with her husband and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by parents, Fannie Joshua (Cross) and Howard Clay; grandparents , George and Mattie Cross; aunts Georgia Lee (Cleveland) Hayes and Josephine Jackson; uncles Charles, Tommie Lee, and Cleophus Cross; sister, Freddie L. (Rev. Clifford) Upshaw; brother, Roosevelt Joshua; nephew, Arthur Shonteau (LaTavia) Joshua, niece LaTesha Joshua, great-nephew Darius Joshua, and granddaughter, Moriyah Welch.

On Sunday, June 3, 2018, Mildred Harris answered God’s call home. She leaves to cherish her memory: husband of 28 years, Rev. John H. Harris, Jr.; sister, Doris Jackson; brother, Arthur Jackson; daughters, Tasha (Dr. Rahsheeno—"Dr. Son”) Griffith, Christina (AJ) Owens, Takia Harris, Joy (Eriberto) Garcia, and Mary Welch. Children by marriage, Robert Harris of Texas, Deondriea Harris of Texas, LaTanya Harris of Indiana, Antoinette (Ogunde) Snelling of Indiana, John Harris, Monica Harris of Indiana, and Tamarah Harris of Ohio; grandson/son, A’Jonni Harris; grandchildren (Gran-Grans), Taylor and Kirsten Griffith; Laiyah and Langston Fletcher, Adriana Owens; Tajenae, Jalon, Cameron and Cameren Harris, Jonathan, Jayanna, and Jaday Boykins; E’Moni, Elijah, and Eriberto, Jr. Garcia; Malachi, Micah, Mackenzie, Maliyah, and Matthew Welch; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren by marriage.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life… Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

-Proverbs 31:10-12; 28-31 (KJV)