Laurinda Denise Harris

Laurinda D. Harris was born on March 24, 1957, in Austin, Texas. She was the youngest of three children born to the union of Ben Arthur Robinson Sr. and Lillie Laura Humphreys-Robinson. On the morning of July 11, 2021, Laurinda was called home to be with the Lord. She transitioned peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family who will miss her dearly.

Laurinda began her Christian walk as a member of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church and Metropolitan A.M.E. Church both in Austin. At the time of her passing she was a faithful member of Simpson United Methodist Church in Austin for seventeen years.

Laurinda attended Ebenezer Child Development Center, Blackshear Elementary School and Kealing Junior High School. She graduated from Austin High School in 1975. Laurinda was a legacy member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. participating until she graduated from high school. Upon graduating from high school, she was presented as a debutante for her grandmother’s sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. Laurinda attended Southwest Texas State University where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was also a member of the Town Lake chapter of The Links, Inc. Laurinda received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from St. Edwards University. She had a very successful career as a buyer for 3M Corporation, Dell Computers, and the City of Austin.

Laurinda was an avid and enthusiastic fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Tech University football teams--often heard screaming louder than anyone in the room. She enjoyed hosting parties and events at her home for special occasions and holidays or “just because”. Laurinda left a lasting impression on everyone she met with her joyful personality, bright smile, caring spirit, and great sense of style, flair, fashion, and beauty.

Laurinda was a devoted wife for thirty-nine years to her soulmate, Bergeron Harris, who cared for her dearly and showered her with his attention. Together they experienced the joys of life through their many social engagements and adventurous travels. They inspired others with their contagious love for one another.

Laurinda was preceded in death by her father, Ben Arthur Robinson Sr., her mother, Lillie Laura Humphreys-Robinson, her brothers, Ben Arthur Robinson Jr., and Andrew Ray Robinson, her maternal grandparents, Andrew Worth Humphreys and Drucie Ray Humphreys, her paternal grandparents, J.B. Robinson and Carrie B. Robinson.

To cherish her memory, Laurinda leaves behind her devoted husband, Dr. Bergeron Harris, two loving sons, Chandler (Erica), Portland, Oregon and Cameron, Austin, Texas, one adorable grandson, Kellan Micah Harris, her godmother, Joe Helen Belle, Austin, Texas, her mother-in-law, Shirley Harris, Tomball, Texas, two brothers-in-law, Edward Harris, Jr. (Arizona), Winfield Harris (Roslyn), Magnolia, Texas, one sister-in-law, Shelita Harris-Watson (William), Slidell, LA. One aunt, Billie Jean Robinson Kelley, Dallas, Texas, her devoted cousin Johnnie B. Rucker Van Dyke, Austin, Texas, life-long friend, Renee Smith-Byas (Rick), The Woodlands, Texas, one godson, Ryan Byas, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 23, 2021 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd. in Austin, Texas. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 24, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Round Rock, 1004 North Mays St., Round Rock, Texas. She will then be laid to eternal rest in Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas.