Lee Artis Harris' Obituary
Lee Artis (Glover) Harris the wife of the late Eddie B Harris (son of Milton & Elizabeth Harris) and daughter of the late, Lee Hezekiah and Mary Ruth "Surles" Glover, departed from the land of the living to abide in her eternal abode on January 9, 2017 in Covington Georgia. Lee, affectionately known to all as "Dea" and commonly known in the neighborhood as "The General" was born in Bullock County, Union Springs, Alabama on November 5, 1935. Lee was predeceased by her husband- Eddie B. Harris, her son- Willie Junior Harris (Shirley) of Rochester, NY, brother- L.J. McGowan, sister in law-Sula Straum McGowan, both of Haines City, FL and grandson- Antoine T. McFadden, of Rochester, NY. Close friends Angie & Al Jonack, and Sandy Smith, all of Rochester, NY. Lee relocated with her husband Eddie B. Harris from rural Alabama to Rochester New York in 1962. She worked several positions throughout her career. Upon arrival in Rochester she worked at Parkside Hospital in the housekeeping department then furthering her career at Beachwood Nursing Home as a physical therapist until her retirement in 1998. She also volunteered for over 45 years with the New York State Department Board of elections in various positions. After retirement Lee developed a love for traveling around the world, whether by train, plane, ship, motorcycle, or car she insisted on her seat being filled and her ticket being punched. All of her years of living she never met a stranger and if they were, they would soon be calling her mom or Dea by the time they left her presence. She cherished her collection of salt & pepper shakers from diverse regions of the world. She developed a personal daily relationship with GOD, encompassed with a weekly telephonic prayer conference which she and Mother Cathay Caldwell (deceased) were instrumental in the growth and success of the ministry. A virtuous woman, mother and friend that always placed other's needs before her own, whom never seen color nor ever judged the book by its cover. She shall be truly missed by friends and family as she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories, including three sons: Kelvin Dwight Harris Sr. (Crystal) Rochester, New York, William "Billy" Smith (Heidi) Gloucester, Virginia, Pastor Eddie Patrick Harris Sr. (Marzilla) Covington, Georgia; two daughters: Petrina Beasley, Rochester, New York, Cynthia Lee McDonald (David) Douglasville, Georgia. One "baby of the bunch" granddaughter and legislator of the 27th District in Monroe County; LaShay Denise Harris (Rodney), Rochester, NY One surviving sibling: Her baby Sister: Mary Jane "Glover" Blakely Union Springs, Alabama, and her favorite only surviving Aunt: Martha Fields - 95 years young Columbus, Georgia. Grandchildren: Tyrone McFadden, Angela L. Harris, Kelvin D. Harris Jr, Jocelyn E. Harris (Felicia), Kawanda M. Jennings, Myiisha L. Harris Fite (Joshua), David M. McDonald, Kenneth J. Johnson, Naji J. Beasley, Jordan M. McDonald, Nyiiomi V. Hodge (Marion), Eddie P. Harris Jr., Eliisha "lil lee" Harris, Eliese "lee lee" McDonald, Terri M. McDonald, Jasmine Carter, Kearra M. Harris, Isaiah Carter, Alyssa Smith, Dashia C. McDonald, Jonathan Bruce, Christopher Bruce, Jermaine Bruce. Great-grandchildren: Antoine McFadden Jr., Antoine McFadden III, Shaliyah Rose, Shasia Monique, Shy'Asia Rogers, Darrell Wilson, Emony M. Harris, K'anya Harris, Prince-Izaak Harris, Christopher "El" Harris, Ka' Lonnie P. Fite, Eli L. Fite, Elijah Johnson, Patrone Johnson, Jaden Johnson, Magnolia McDonald, Josiah J. Fite, Amaeri Johnson, Naji Beasley Jr., Elijah Bruce, Sophia Bruce, Naimah Lizingston, Alyzia Hodge, Jordan Ryland McDonald. A multitude of nieces, nephews, first and second cousins, adopted sons, daughters, and a host of friends. Lee embarked on her final cruise in the fall of 2016 with her children, and cruise partners Ms. Jimmie Kendrick and Jenise Lee, celebrating her 81st birthday. She made the most of every day and lived it with purpose. Words she lived by were, "Do what you can do and what you can't... don't worry about, it'll take care of itself!"
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