Annie W. Harris was born in Marshallville, GA on May 17, 1919, to the late Gertrude Jones-Lane and David McNeal. She moved from Marshallville, Georgia, at an early age to Akron, Ohio, where she lived with her Uncle Emmitt and Aunt Lessie. There she met the love of her life Royce Harris (who preceded her in death). In, 1941 she joined Royce in San Francisco, California, where they married. Together they raised one child, a daughter Olivia. Royce and Annie were married for 50 years until his death in 1991.
After relocating to San Francisco, Annie began working as a Domestic Housekeeper. She worked for 48 years until her retirement in 1985.
“Grandma” as she was affectionately known, was a fabulous cook who loved family gatherings. She was famous for her chocolate cake, and jello molds. Everyone who visited her home was treated as family and always invited to sit down at her table to eat. During Holiday celebrations, she would cook endlessly and feed everyone who stopped by. She made everyone feel welcomed in her home. Grandma loved to engage in conversation sharing her wisdom and knowledge of her perception about life. She adoringly talked about all her grandchildren, sometimes teasing that she “can’t remember all their names,” but knew that she was blessed abundantly. She was a great inspiration in her Community and was loved dearly in her Church. In her early years, she loved to grow Orchids which she highly favored. She shared her beautiful orchids often decorating the Alter at the Church.
Annie Harris was a dedicated and faithful Christian woman. Affectionately known as Mother Harris, she became a member of First AME Zion Church in 1942. She was a long-standing member of the Usher Board; The Parent Body Missionary Society; Ladies Aid Society; Booster Club and the Stewardee Board. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 60 years. She was consecrated in 1980 as a Deaconess under the pastorate of Reverend Percy Smith. Mother Harris was a devout Sunday school student.
Mother Harris was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a support system and tower of strength in time of need. Her quiet, peaceful manner and loving warmth were truly inspirational. She was a virtuous Christian woman that lived her life serving the Lord. She aspired to be Christlike, in humility, longsuffering, forgiveness, wisdom, joy and peace. She was truly a humble servant of God who was blessed with the gifts of patience and kindness.
Annie was preceded in death by her mother Gertrude Jones-Lane, brothers Henry Mack Lane, Jr., William Lane, Johnny J. Lane, Henry Lee Lane and Walter Jones, sisters Christine Walker, Mary L.Williams, and Rebecca Shackleford.
Annie Harris leaves to carry on her legacy: her daughter, Olivia Nelson; grandchildren, Derrell Whitley, Venise Nelson, Michael Nelson (Nicky), Royce Nelson, Faraji Abram (Miesha); great-grandchildren, Derrell Whitely, Jr., Jasmine Whitely, Justin Whitley, Nicole Padmore, Raymond Whitley, Krystal Nelson, Faraji Abram, Jr., LaJuan Nelson, Ta’liyah Abram, Andre Nelson, Isaiah Abram, Alessandra Nelson; Joshua Abram, Mia Nelson, Elyas Nelson, Michael Nelson, Jr., Taje’ Abram, Kareem Abram; great-great grandchildren, Davian, Emani, Emiya, Emmanuel, Justin, Jr., Raymond, Jr., Carter, Marcus, Tisheena; great-great-great grandchildren; Joslyn, Dietrich, Jr., Marcus, Jr., Kenzolamar, Amiece; Nephew and Niece (fondly referred to as grandchildren) Anthony “Tony” Walters, Michelle Banks; sister Clara Lane (GA); god-child Rannelle Amerson; and many adopted children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; adoring nieces, nephews (GA, OH, FL, MD), cousins, numerous beloved friends; and the entire First AME Zion Church family.
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