Celebration of Life Program for Virginia Harris

Musical Prelude Luther Chambers Opening Selection GBC Music Ministry Scripture Reading Minister Prayer of Comfort Rev. Maurice Bowles Reflections Nellie Herbin-Whitfield Steven Harris II Steven Harris, Sr. Musical Selection GBC Music Ministry Acknowledgements Linda P. Travis Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Musical Selection GBC Music Ministry Eulogy Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick Recessional Clergy, Family, and Friends

A Personal Tribute in

Memory of Virginia Oglesby Harris By: Doris Mangrum To Steve, Deborah, Grand Children, and Family, We are heartbroken at the passing of your Dear Mother, Grandmother and our beloved sister-cousin, Virginia. We share your grief and we feel your pain.

She meant so much to all of us, it is difficult at this time trying to express the heartache we feel. In that vain my intent is to reflect on some of the treasured memories shared with your mom.

Our kinship originated in Athens, GA. We were the offspring’s of two sisters and one brother who relocated their young families to Newport News, VA, responding to new job opportunities. Although residing in different communities and different schools, the children remained very close. ”Ginny” as she was affectionately tagged by the family, was the oldest child among us. In the early adolescent years “the girls” in this group were her sister, Nellie, cousins Kathryn, Mary and myself, Doris. There were sleepovers, family vacations and other fun activities.

The children often chose their own activities. We were energetic and allowed to get into good trouble which sometimes turned bad no matter the intent.

However one rule remained constant, Ginny was in charge, and trust me, she was always going to relay the truth regardless of the outcome.

A few years later at Huntington High School, Ginny was an excellent athlete participating in high school

and recreational sports such as softball, volleyball, and basketball. At times we even played tag football in the neighborhood As expected, Ginny was an outstanding student in the classroom. Always prepared taking leadership and finishing among the top students in her class. Later in Norfolk at “Little State” (now Norfolk State University) during a basketball game Ginny suffered a serious head injury. She was admitted and treated for a period of time at Mary Immaculate Hospital. This ended her basketball pursuits. Ginny went on to complete her degree in Business at “Little State.” She continued to enjoy sports from the stands. At some point she became an avid bowler with the Century Plaza Bowlerettes. Falling in love, she married her high school sweetheart Robert ‘’Duck” Harris, had two children and chose a career with Federal Service at Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, VA. She loved watching my women’s basketball team at N.S.U. As Steve and Karen grew up she enjoyed watching their activities, as well as her grandsons.

At Langley, she accepted a position at Fort Monroe Headquarters TRADOC where her talents excelled as she traveled to Army bases through the country and Hawaii, organizing and teaching. With her modest professional demeanor she was the first and only Black Supervisor of Man Power T. D. A. Di­vision . She used her power to employ retired and discharged Afro American service men; who had been kept out of the loop. She established an Automated Procession of currently used documents that is still used in service to date; she received numerous awards and recognitions for Out­standing Performance at Fort Monroe before retiring at grade GS-13 and 35 years service. As a proud Mom she would tell you that her greatest gifts and assets were her children Steve Harris and Karen Harris Brown (now deceased).

Ginny was an active member at Gethsemane. Serving as a Missionary, Singing in the Choir, assisted with Child Care, the Oil Press, and where ever needed.

When her health became compromised, her son moved her to Maryland. There she united with a church under the watchful eye of her grandson, “Lil Steve” serving as assistant pastor. Gethsemane remained her Home Church. She was anxious for our Sunday phone calls revealing the text, scripture, and sermon notes from our service until she finally received Gethsemane’s Live Streaming. She was always happy to come home to see her pastor and fellowship with old friends at church. She loved her family and just people in general. She was Past Matron of Honor in the Hamp­ton Chapter of Eastern Star. We were always happy for the times she would come and stay for a while with us.

Ginny was a Godly woman. She never sought to be out front. She exhibited the character of a Virtuous Woman. That’s not to say she was perfect. Its about living life with purpose, dili­gence, respectfulness and inspiration. There are 10 virtues listed in Proverbs 31 and she touched every one. She had the courage of her convictions. On her Journey, Ginny touched and befriended countless among us, most especially the young people, as a woman of strength, compassion, wisdom and virtue.

Finally, on behalf of the original girls, Nellie, Mary and myself; Our Love will always be with Her. 2nd Timothy 4: 6 - 8 King James Version

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord The righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto them also that love his appearing.”

Facts

First Breath: September 16, 1934 Last Smile: December 31, 2020 Hometown: Born in Athens, Ga; Raised in Newport News, VA Academic Accomplishments: Huntington High School, 1950 Little State (now Norfolk State), Assoc. in Business Occupation: Business Analyst Christian History: Baptized: Zion Baptist Church, Newport News, VA Member: Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, VA Interest/ Hobbies: Playing (Softball, Basketball and Bowling) and Watching Sports; She started as a Dallas Cowboys Fan and Ended a Washington Football Team Fan

Family History

Parents: The Late James D. Oglesby, Sr. Georgia Bell Oglesby Siblings: Brothers, James Oglesby, Jr., Bobby Oglesby, Emmett Oglesby (All Deceased); Sister, Nellie Herbin-Whitfield; Sister In-Laws, Katie Oglesby, Brenda Oglesby, Virginia Oglesby Spouse: Robert Duck Harris, Married on Dec 18, 1953 Children: Karen Brown (Deceased)/Spouse: James Brown, Sr. Robert Steve Harris/ Spouse: Deborah Harris Six (6) Grandsons: James A Brown, Jr., Robert “Steve” Harris II (Sherrie), Lamont Brown (Deceased), Kelvin Brown, Brandon Harris, Joshua Harris (Allison) 5 Great Grandchildren: Jeriah, Mikai, Nathan, Nia, and Jayce Other Relatives: Neices, Nephews, Cousin, and a Host of Friends