McGlustria Jean Harris was born August 31, 1939, in Eufaula, Alabama. After a near-decade battle with Vascular dementia, she peacefully transitioned in the early morning hours of October 5, 2024. Jean was the tenth child of twelve children born to Nolan and Laura Tate. She often reflected on her childhood and working on the farm picking cotton in the then deeply segregated South. Although it was usually difficult, she learned how to make the best of those times by relying on the values she had been taught and her determination to fulfill her God-given life purpose.
She was brought up in Zion Hill and Rocky Mount Baptist Churches in Eufaula, Alabama, where she accepted Jesus Christ at a very young age. She gave Him first place in her life and always leaned and trusted Him in all things. As her faith began to grow, her favorite scriptures for protection and guidance became Psalm 23, 34:8-10.
After she graduated from Van Buren High School in 1958, she moved to Norfolk, Virginia. In a short time, she joined the nearby church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, during the pastorate of Dr. H. T. Myers. Over the many years she was active at church, she served on the Usher Ministry #2, Addie Dinkins Missionary Circle, the Deaconess Ministry, and the Food Pantry Ministry. Along with being active in church, Jean loved the local beaches, nearby restaurants, and shopping destinations.
Several months after moving to Norfolk, she began employment with Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She was employed there for 38 years before retiring. Feeling she wasn’t quite ready for retirement, she re-entered the workforce and became employed by LifeNet. She was employed there five years before her final retirement.
Jean was married to Joseph Harris, Sr., for 62 years until his death on January 12, 2023. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Joseph Harris, Jr. (Serethia) of Chesapeake, VA, Jeffery Harris (Selena) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Jennifer Harris-Williams (Milton) of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren: Marcus Alston, California, Ryan Smith (Tiffany) of Chesapeake, VA. Marquita Morning (Broderick) of Virginia Beach, VA Darien Cox (Alyssa) of Kansas, Jayla Harris of Chesapeake, VA, Christopher Lee (Shakina) of Virginia Beach, VA; and Lauren Williams of Chesapeake, VA; great-grandchildren: Jasmine Morning, Broderick Morning, Jr. Roman Cox, Khai Lee, Landon Cox, and Jayden Cox; sister, Ozie Dantzler (Lewis) of Cincinnati, OH; Goddaughter, Tracey Pinkin of Virginia Beach, VA; and a host of extended family and friends.
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Rev. Calvin D. Brown, Jr. says
October 10, 2024 at 3:27 pm“Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:23,KJV)
On behalf of the Brown (Calvin & Jackie), Henderson (Chanel, Eric, Gina, Giveric), Jackson (Alma, Boris) families and Shelia Jackson, we send our heartfelt condolences in the loss of our cousin.
May the peace of God comfort us and cousin Jean’s children during this time of bereavement.🙏🏽✝️😇
Sandra K Smith says
October 13, 2024 at 4:22 pmMy most sincere condolences to the Harris family. Our prayers will continue for you all. You know God is with you during this trying time.
Reverend Elijah &Gladys Harris, Jr. says
October 13, 2024 at 6:24 pmMay you find comfort in the God of all comfort during these difficult times. Look unto the hills from whence all your help cometh.
Glenn Harris says
October 13, 2024 at 7:29 pmWe’re sorry for your loss and we hope memories of your Mom will heal your hearts.
carlton dozier says
October 14, 2024 at 11:55 amMy most sincere condolences to the Harris family. Mrs Harris will be missed, Our prayers are with you all. God is with you during this trying time… From Carlton And Valerie Dozier and family