Cruzita Joanna Harris

Cruzita Joeanna Harris, affectionately known as “Cita,” was born on June 7, 1954, in Stockton, California, to Ella Mae Jones and Michael Morogan. Cita attended Zachary Taylor Elementary School, Edison Senior High School, and Delta College. Inspired by her younger brother Simon, Cita proudly enlisted in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, she continued her commitment to serving others as a Correctional Officer at Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI) in Tracy, California.

Cita had a genuine heart for helping others. She later worked at San Joaquin General Hospital, where she was deeply loved and cherished by those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her caring spirit extended far beyond her career. Cita lovingly provided in-home care for her stepfather, Lawrence Jones, and, in her later years, devoted herself to caring for her beloved mother, Ella Mae Jones, until her passing.

Cita was many things to many people—a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, godmother, and friend—but above all, she was a woman who loved deeply and gave wholeheartedly. She loved the Lord with all her heart. For many years, Cita was a faithful member of New Freedom In Christ Jesus Church under the leadership of Pastor Leon Holland. She served her church family faithfully, participating in food giveaways, helping wherever she was needed, and always being willing to lend a helping hand.

Cita’s love for children and family was evident in the way she opened her heart and her home. She welcomed and raised Travon, Nikkeyona, and Kevin as her own, creating a home filled with love, care, and family. She was also a devoted and loving godmother to Kayla Foster.

Cita was truly the light of our lives. She loved her family fiercely and never hesitated to show up for the people she loved. If she could be there to support you, she would be there. Her laughter was contagious, her smile could brighten any room, and her personality was unforgettable. With Cita, there was always a reason to laugh. Family and friends could spend hours singing karaoke and enjoying one another’s company—and if crab or Chinese food was involved, even better! Cita had a laugh so infectious that sometimes you could find yourself laughing simply because she was laughing.

And if you truly knew Cita, then you knew there was one thing she loved with unmatched loyalty: the Raiders! Cita was a diehard Raiders fan, so much so that she painted her house black and silver. Her Raider pride was unmistakable and became just another part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Cita also had a special love for her fur babies, especially Ella, Sheba, Renny, and Soccar. She took great pride in her German Shepherds and trained them with such love and dedication that there was no question who was in charge. She was their Queen, and they knew it!

One of Cita’s greatest joys was spending quality time with family and friends. Every summer, she looked forward to traveling to Greenhorn Creek Resort in Angels Camp, California, where she could relax, recharge, laugh, and make memories with the people she loved. This year was especially meaningful, as she had the beautiful opportunity to bring her first grandbaby, Kaimani, to meet the family. Cita embraced her new role as Grandma with a full heart and great joy. She loved her grandson dearly and treasured the memories they were able to make together.

Cita’s presence brought warmth, laughter, strength, and love into the lives of so many. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, supported, and loved. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the memories she created will continue to live on in everyone blessed to know her.

Cita now rests in the arms of the Lord and joins in heaven her beloved mother, Ella Mae Jones; father, Michael Morogan; brother, Simon McCormick III; Michael Allen McCormick and sister, Bonnie Peoples.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her siblings, Richard Mahan (Maurica), David Lynn McCormick (Ruthie), Frank McCormick, and Connie McCormick; her children, Travon Maynard-Harris, Nikkeyona Maynard-Harris, and Kevin McKinsley-Harris; her beloved grandson, Kaimani Hillmon; her goddaughter, Kayla Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones.

Cita was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Her laughter will echo in our memories, her love will remain in our hearts, and her legacy of faith, family, service, and unconditional love will live on through all of us who were blessed to know her.