• brother
nephrologist
internist
clarksdalian
• philanthropist
xavierite
uncle
father
• son • physician • activist
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physician
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nephrologist • xavierite
• brother • internist • uncle • philanthropist
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• philanthropist
• son
physician
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• brother
nephrologist
internist
• clarksdalian
• philanthropist
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11:00 AM
Order of Service
PROCESSIONAL
MUSICAL SELECTION
UNION GROVE M.B. CHOIR
SCRIPTURE READING & PRAYER
REV. RICHARD HARLESS
MUSICAL SELECTION
KENNY LACKEY
EXPRESSIONS
AS A FAMILY MEMBER
FREDDIE JONES
AS A FRIEND
DR. BILL RUTLEDGE & DR. BOB HUTCHINS
AS A CO-WORKER
LOUISE BRADFORD LLOYD
SOLO
DR. EDWIN FOX
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS & RESOLUTIONS
DR. ANTONIA L. HILL
SOLO BERNICE SYKES
SILENT READING OF OBITUARY
EULOGY
REV. HOMER JAMISON
JAMISON TEMPLE M.B. CHURCH
CLOSING REMARKS
REV. L.C. TYLER
UNION GROVE M.B. CHURCH
RECESSIONAL
Our Dear Brother
In our gaze, each passing day, Joe, you faded more away.
Striving with our every breath, To ward off your untimely death. You knew life’s meandering stream— Its peaks and troughs, its hazy dream. Through each twist and shadowed valley, Together we ventured, rallied.
Oh, the joy within us swells, For the brotherhood that dwells
In our hearts, forever true — God blessed us deeply giving us you.
Peggy, Milroy & Zach
THE FAMILY OF DR. JONATHAN HARRIS DEEPLY APPRECIATES AND GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES YOUR KIND EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY AND COMPASSION. WE ASK THAT YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP US IN YOUR PRAYERS.
DR. JONATHAN HARRIS
MARCH 26, 1955 •
Jonathan Harris was born on March 26, 1955 at the Taborian Hospital in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. He lived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, with proud parents Russia and L. Harris, Jr. As the youngest child for several years, his family dearly loved and cherished him. Jonathan, often called Joe by those who knew him best, demonstrated an exceptional ability to learn, read, and retain knowledge from an early age. He was baptized early and attended Centennial Baptist Church in Clarksdale.
Jonathan's remarkable intellect was evident from an early age. Growing up in the racially segregated city of Clarksdale, he was deeply troubled by the injustices of the 'separate and unequal' systems. Despite facing adversity, he became the president of his class at Clarksdale High School. His request to host a Black History program at his newly integrated high school was denied, but this did not deter him. He and three others organized the event without the approval of his obstinate school leaders, demonstrating his early recognition that Black History is American History. His actions led to his expulsion, but he was undeterred. The brilliant and resolute 16-yearold hired an attorney and sued the school district, although he was never allowed to return. His determination impressed a
APRIL 16, 2024
group of nuns at Immaculate Conception, who helped him complete his one remaining high school credit and enroll in Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
At Xavier, Jonathan received a full scholarship from Reader's Digest Magazine, which covered all his tuition and lodging fees, requiring only that his parents provide him with spending money. While at Xavier, he joined the Beta Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., further enriching his college experience. The Xavierite graduated in just three years and was awarded a scholarship to Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tennessee, becoming the youngest in his class to graduate. He completed his residency at Hubbard Hospital, becoming chief resident, and later opened a medical clinic with friends.
After completing his medical education, Dr. Harris returned to Clarksdale in 1984 to serve as the medical director of the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center. He entered private practice in 1986, facing initial skepticism about his youth. In 1992, he became the medical director of the intensive care unit at Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. Understanding the importance of preventive healthcare, he was keenly aware of healthcare gaps,
son • change maker • brother • father • physician
particularly in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and renal disease. He pursued a Nephrology fellowship at the University of Mississippi in 1998 and re-entered private practice in 2000, focusing on pre-renal dialysis patients.
Jonathan's devotion to his family was paramount. He was a loving father to Corey, Cairo, JaNathan "Molli", Bridget, and Tony. Despite suffering a stroke and becoming physically limited for twenty-four years, he remained active in civic and social activities led by his mother and siblings. His sense of humor and intelligence never wavered, and he continued to be a present leader, parent, grandparent, brother, and friend.
Jonathan's commitment to community service was profound. Always involved in good trouble, he advocated for fair rep resentation and hiring practices, served on boards, started the Robert Train Harris Scholarship program, and was the team doctor for Clarksdale High School's football team. He also hosted pool parties and was generous without recognition. His hobbies included playing cards, dominoes, fishing, and hunting.
Dr. Jonathan Harris passed away on April 16, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and service. He is survived by his mother, Russia Harris; his children, Dr. Corey Batson, Cairo (Safiya) Carr, JaNathan "Molli" Harris, and Bridget Stewart; siblings, Milroy Harris, Peggy Harris, and Zacchaeus (Lasonia) Jones; grandchildren, Cori, Skylar, Nicholas, Corey Jr., Anthony and Naomi; and many relatives, patients, and friends. His memory remains a beacon of compassion in the hearts of those he touched.
Daddy
You were there when we took our first steps, And went unsteadily across the floor.
You pushed and prodded: encouraged and guided, Until our steps took us out the door...
You worry now "Are they ok?"
Is there more you could have done?
As we walk the paths of our unknown
You wonder "Where have my children gone?"
Where we are is where you have led us,
With your special love you showed us a way, To believe in ourselves and the decisions we make. Taking on the challenge of life day-to-day.
And where we go you can be sure, In spirit you shall never be alone.
For where you are is what matters most to us, Because to us that will always be home.
Your Children
You
left this world so quickly
We
still wonder why
For the saddest part of all You came home just to
say goodbye
You left us so many memories
To us you were so dear
No matter when we needed you
We always found you near You gave us all you had to give Gifts both big and small
But most of all you gave us love
The greatest gift of all
Love,
Earlene & Molli
Your love remains, unforgotten ever. As long as life and memory thrive, In each of us, your soul will survive.
We miss you now; our hearts are torn, With each passing day, more sorrow is born. Your loving smile, your gentle grace, In our hearts, no one could replace.
Together we cherish the times once shared, Grasping moments when you showed us you cared.
In stories told and silent prayers, Your legacy lives, transcending our tears.
Your Grandchildren
If Roses Grow in Heaven
If roses grow in heaven, Lord, Please pick a bunch for Joe. Place them in his hands and tell him they're from me, I hope he knows. Tell him that I love him, when he smiles, place a kiss upon his cheek. Hold him for a moment, because it’s him I always seek. Joe, my brilliant beacon, with a laugh that could erase the night.
In my heart’s quiet garden, his memory shines so bright. So, if roses grow in heaven, with petals soft and fair, Lay them in his arms with care— Love eternal, from his mother, always there.
Love, Mama
activist
xavierite
brother
internist
clarksdalian
uncle
uncle
PALLBEARERS
philanthropist
father
son
physician internist
RALPH JACKSON
father • son
change maker
nephrologist clarksdalian
NATHANIEL STURDIVANT
LORENZO THOMPSON
change maker
physician
CARLOS FIELDS
JAKE DAVIS
activist
brother
internist philanthropist
activist
brother
ZACCHAEUS CAMPBELL
nephrologist
xavierite
clarksdalian physician
xavierite
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
internist
DR. COREY BATSON
CAIRO CARR
uncle
philanthropist nephrologist
uncle
clarksdalian
DR. TONY NEWSON
MILROY HARRIS
father
son
father
son
philanthropist
ZACCHEUS JONES
AL MOSLEY
physician
change maker
activist
BROTHERS OF THE BETA TAU CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.
physician internist
change maker
brother
nephrologist
internist philanthropist
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nephrologist
brother
OFFICIANT
REV. HOMER JAMISON
xavierite
clarksdalian physician
xavierite
JAMISON TEMPLE M.B. CHURCH
internist
uncle
philanthropist nephrologist
PROGRAM GUIDE
clarksdalian
SIS. CYNTHIA TYLER
father
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son
ARRANGEMENTS
CENTURY FUNERAL HOME
change maker
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CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI
activist
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brother
nephrologist
physician internist
internist philanthropist
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brother
INTERMENT
HIGGINS MCLAURIN CEMETERY
xavierite
clarksdalian physician
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internist
LYON, MISSISSIPPI
clarksdalian
uncle
REPAST
COAHOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SAFE ROOM
CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI
3:00 P.M.
father
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