Willie Louis Harris

A Celebration of Life

Willie Louis

“#35” Harris Alpha January 21, 1947

Omega December 7, 2014

Saturday, December 20, 2014 10:00 O’clock A. M. Sixth Baptist Church 928 Felicity Street New Orleans, LA 70130 Rev. Dr. Torin T. Sanders, Officiant What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?

-Psalms 89:48

His Story

Willie Louis “35” Harris was born on January 21, 1947 in New Orleans, LA. to Jules and Deborah Harris. Willie was an energetic youngster who was known for his whit, charm and humorous personality. Willie Louis was called home to glory on December 7, 2014 at 67 years old. His life was marked by his love for Christ, humility, service and dedication to family and close friends.

Willie Louis “35” Harris was educated in the New Orleans Public School System. He attended Fisk Elementary, Durham Junior High School and McDonough 35 Senior High School. Willie was given the nickname “35” from friends in the neighborhood because not only was he attending Mc 35 High School but his football jersey number was “35”, thus he was affectionately given the name “35”.

Their Love Story Willie Louis Harris and Carol Mae Bell lives were destined to be intertwined for they had three distinct encounters before their love was sealed. The first encounter took place when Carol, then 11 years old, was visiting a relative and Willie and his family lived next door. Carol would jokingly tease their family for their “naturally red hair” and Willie would in return throw rocks over the fence. The second encounter happened some years later when Willie’s family moved to First Street. Willie and Carol, now teenagers, became reacquainted and the old revivals became new friends.

They began dating and Carol took Willie to her Junior Prom, as well as, Willie took Carol to his Senior Prom. “35” graduated from high school in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Army in the same year. The third encounter helped to cultivate their friendship to a loving courtship. Both Willie Louis and Carol Mae sent love letters to each other while he served abroad. When Willie was honorably discharged in March, 1968 and he lovingly proposed in April 1968.

Their love story was made official on June 29, 1968 when they were united in holy matrimony. One daughter, Deidre D. Harris, was born in this union. They were married for 46 glorious years. Many have tried to come between this union, but as their vows read, “what God has joined together, let no man put asunder”.

His Legacy Willie Louis “35” Harris leaves a legacy of love. He leaves to cherish his memories, his friend, companion and devoted wife, Mrs. Carol Bell-Harris, his loving children: Deirdre (Darryl) Harris-Julien, Tamika (Cedric) Lewis and Willie Hodges. Grandchildren: Ki’Edra, Kariel and Kristen Ellsworth, LaJohn Lewis, Willie and Willow Hodges. Two beautiful great grand dolls: Koi’ Ellsworth and Karlie Douse. Three brothers: Edward (Lydia), David (Bonnie) and Arnold (Cheryl) Jackson. Four sisters: Ethel (Arthur) Harris, Deborah (John) Norton, Mary Ann Jackson and Delores (Beryl) Scieneaux. Three devoted friends: Wasselle “Mop” Magee, Malcolm Smith and Allen Lewis. Seven brothersin-laws, six sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents: Jules Harris, Deborah Harris-Jackson and stepfather, Rev. Samuel Jackson, one aunt, four uncles, father-in-law, Rev James Bell, Sr., mother-in-law, Mrs. Albertha Brimmer-Bell, three brothers-in law, one sisters-in law and other relatives.

His Passions Willie was a faithful member of the Sixth Baptist Church. He could be seen after church, standing by the rail to greet family members and friends. Mr. & Mrs. Willie Louis Harris were members of the “Couple’s Ministry during its inception. “35” took full advantage of Louisiana being a “Fisherman’s Paradise”. After work, after church and any other time he could, Willie would go fishing or hunting. He had several hunting dogs and he previously owned several hogs. FISHING was his absolute passion-so much so that he went fishing twice within two weeks before he passed away. Willie was an “unsung hero”. He enjoyed visiting with the sick and shut in, as well as, senior citizens in his neighborhood in Ama, LA. On December 7, 2014, Jesus said unto him, “Willie I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

-John 11:25-26

Order of Service Saturday, December 20, 2014 Processional………………………………….………Rev. Dr. Torin T. Sanders & Family Song of Praise………………………………………………..Sixth Baptist Church Choir Devotional Old Testament……………….…..…………….Elder Althea Miles New Testament……..………………………….Elder Gayle Davis Prayer………………………………………..Rev. Author Briggs Prayer Chant…………………………Sixth Baptist Church Choir Servant of Service……...…………………………..…………….Elder Montrell Roberts Selection…………………”How Great is Our God”………..….Sixth Baptist Church Choir

Resolution……………………………………………………… Rev. Beverley Swinney Solo………..……...”May the Works I’ve Done Speak for Me”……..…....Sis Jane Jackson Solid Rock Church Obituary……………….……………………………….…….Sis. Josephine Bell-Brown Sixth Baptist Church Reflections (2 minutes Please) From a Friend– Malcom Smith From a Church Member– Kevin Marcell From a Family Member– Sis Dolly Brumfield From a Sibling– Rev. Edward Jackson Greater New Hope BC Solo……………………………………………………….………. Sis. Beralyn Wilson Sixth Baptist Church Eulogy…………………...………………….………….……..Rev. Dr. Torin T. Sanders Words of Comfort ……………..…(2 minutes Please)……………..……..Guest Ministers

Benediction Recessional

Nevermore Never more will I see your smiling face Nevermore will I feel your strong embrace Nevermore will I wish upon a starry skies Nevermore will I gaze into your loving eyes Nevermore will I feel your warm lips upon mine Nevermore will my eyes sparkle and shine Nevermore will the streets your feet roam Nevermore because our Lord and Savior decided to take you home Loving You always your devoted wife Mrs. #35

In Loving Memory Daddy Daddy I miss you so much I wish you were still here.

Up above in heaven is where you now live.

You have always been an “Angel” and now you have your wings.

As these tears flow from my eyes I realize how things have changed.

But being “Daddy’s Girl” will forever remain the same.

Absent from the body you are present with the Lord.

I know he makes no mistakes he is our God. I put my trust in him as I walk by faith.

No hurting, no pain you are in a better place.

Get your rest Daddy, I know you’re at peace.

Now I have my own personal “Angel” watching over me.

I love you Daddy!

Love Your Daughter Deirdre

If Only You Knew If you knew how much we loved you, we wonder if you would've stayed. We know there's no way to change God's will despite how much we've prayed.

So we will always hold on to the love you gave us and the stories that you told.

Stories about hunting and fishing and being a blessing to get old.

We may not understand why you're gone but we'll get through these days. It hurts to see our Pawpaw go, but heartache won't last always.

So we will keep your memories in our hearts as if you were still alive. We will always be Pawpaw's girls because we miss our #35!

-Love your Grand Dolls

Active Pallbearers John Paul Robinson Kevin Marcell Frank Adams David E. Brown, Sr. Willie Cooks, III Daril Brimmer Robert Cleggett Byron Cleggett Malcom Smith

Honorary Pallbearers Willie L. Hodges David Jackson Arnold Cary Jackson Gil Bell, Sr. Floyd B. Bell

Edward Jackson Daryl Julien James Bell, Jr. Norman Bell

Services Lovingly Provided by: Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, Inc. 2120 Jackson Avenue New Orleans, LA 70113

Interment Woodlawn Cemetery 9820 Nine Mile Point Westwego, LA 70094

Repass Kingsley House Constance Street Entrance New Orleans, LA

Our Most Sincere Thanks…

Time is never measured by the time that you live, but by the deeds that you do, and the joy that you give. With humbled hearts, we the family of the late Mr. Willie L. (35) Harris wish to express our sincere appreciation for the comforting words, prayers, and visits during the subsequent homegoing of our dear loved one. Every deed has comforted us and softened our sense of loss. Thank you again may the God of peace bless each of you.

The Family

Program Coordinator: Bro. Elijah A. Brown and Sis. Teelye Matthews – Severan Design & Printing by “Our Celebrations of Life” (504) 453-2186 or (504) 338-8753