Betty Ruth Harris

To my loved ones, my family and my friends of faith. Please allow me at this time and in this place share with you how I persevered through the issues of my life.

I was born on May 13, 1939 to Maxine and Otis Shorter. I have five sisters: Kathryn Wright (John), Beverly Schroeder (Raymond, deceased), Martha Parkinson (Fredrick, deceased), Toni Brazille and Lisa Shorter. Oh, and one brother, Otis Shorter who spoiled the legacy of an all girl family.

It seemed as if our parents brought us all from the hospital to the church pew. We could pray before we could read. Thanks mom for not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our baby talk turned into real words with a real meaning then with real praise. I loved going to Sunday School. We would be given scriptures and I was the best in memorizing and reciting them so I received all the ribbons and bags of fruit and candy.

As I got older piano lessons made me a better student by having to focus and pay attention. I never stopped studying the scriptures and eventually I connected the dots between God and Jesus. The Jesus part was more exciting to me. His love for people, the miracles he performed and how he told us we could be just like him became my passion.

My favorite scripture now was "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I've committed unto him against that day."

My confidence was at its highest level. Having completed all requirements thru High School, I was knocking on the door at Wichita State University. I began my journey on how to teach. I had a lot to say, and if I couldn't say it I could play it on the piano. I sought public schools, private and church schools. Life was very good. I was blessed to receive an honorary doctorate degree in theology from Dr. Benjamin F. Reed.

For life to come full circle, relationships and families are a must to keep you balanced. So, on October 27th, 1981 I married the love of my life: Mr. Charles Wade Harris. Thank God for a resounding marriage of thirty-eight years. I had a son, Joseph Small and a step-daughter, Kelly Danielle Harris Wilkinson. My son Joseph and wife Michelle blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter named, Alexis Janae.

With all the happiness one woman could experience, now came the test and trials of my health. My teaching Women's Groups, Sunday School New Membership Class, Public School and retiring from KinderCare Pre-School, to me had come to an end. But God and his mercy poured his healing salve of love over my heart and I learned to become the "comeback kid", not "the bitter one."

Although I could not play the piano anymore, my teaching turned into witnessing and giving my testimony. The question, who shall separate me from the love of Christ is answered as nothing shall separate me, not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword. Nay in all these things we are conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, angels, principals, ties, powers things present, things to come, height, depth not any other creature shall be able to separate me from his love.

What healed my inside invisible deterioration and what healed my outside visible wounds? I stayed in the word and believed when I read how he gave his only son as a sacrifice for me, I made up in my mind I would never turn away from his love. Be encouraged and stay with God. Many a night I sowed in tears and pain. But now, thank God I'm reaping in joy. All my love.

Leaving to mourn the life so greatly loved is her husband: Charles Harris, her son; Joseph Small, daughter-in-law; Michelle; granddaughter Alexis Small and step-daughter, Kelly S. Danielle Harris Wilkinson. I also leave a host of family from the states of Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Nevada and North Carolina.

From the family: Please know that the Harris families truly thank you for your prayers, calls and all expressions of love. We have been strengthened and encouraged from your kindness. God Bless.

A visitation for Betty will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the Westminster Memorial Park Carolina Chapel. Services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10:00 am at The Garden Grove Church of God in Garden Grove, California. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421