Bernice Louise Harris

Bernice Louise Harris was born on June 11, 1926 to Willie Andrew and Elese James in White Springs, Florida. She was the younger of the family’s two children. Louise grew up in Perrine, Florida and Groveland, Florida. She was educated in the Dade and Lake Counties School Systems. Louise accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour at an early age. She joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine, Florida under the leadership of Reverend W. C. Edcar. She later joined Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Groveland, Florida under the leadership of Reverend Calloway. There Louise served in the Choir and on the Usher Board until her health failed. Louise married the late John Harris, Jr. and to this union three children were born, Gretta, Mary and John. She later met Moses Wilson and to this union a daughter, Mozelle was born. Ma Lou worked hard to ensure her children were given the opportunities to further their education. She believed in family and tried to instill the importance of family to all that came in contact with her. Ma Lou was stern but fair, said what she meant, and meant what she said. Ma Lou was a no nonsense person that truly showed tough love. She was loved and will be missed by all that knew her. On Monday, August 18, 2014 at 8:58 a.m. the angels gathered around her bedside and they eased the pain from her body. No more pain, no more suffering, God has taken Ma Lou to live with Him in heaven. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Willie A. James and Elese Tomlin, brother, Willie A. James, Jr. and great grandson, Reginald Burney, IV. Louise leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters; Gretta Gregory (Willie) of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Mary Harris, Mozelle Faniel (Bobby Jerry) of Groveland, Florida; one son, John Harris, III (Shirley) of Bartow, Florida; eleven grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; fifteen great, great grandchildren; one uncle, James Harris of Richmond Heights, Florida; one aunt, Julia Dorsey of Cutler Ridge, Florida; three god children, Sandra Lee, Kimberly Bulmer, Phyllis McNeal; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Bernice Louise Harris

June 11, 1926 - August 18, 2014